Navigating a Career Transition: From Traditional Automotive to Electric Vehicles

How to Drive Your Career from Traditional Automotive to the Electric Vehicle Sector

There’s little doubt that electric vehicles (EVs) are the way of the future. They’re more cost-effective, durable, and sustainable, and the market is growing. In 2023, EV sales increased by 17.8%. Bringing the total number of EVs on UK roads to an estimated 975,000. So, while the number of traditional automotive vehicles still far outstrips EV numbers, the gap is steadily closing. And there’s a lot of competition between manufacturers, making this a really exciting time to join the industry.

So, what do you need to do if you’d like to make the transition between working in the traditional automotive industries and the electric vehicle sector?

Evaluate your skillset

While on a superficial level, traditional and electrical vehicles require many of the same manufacturing skills, the reality is that the EV industry is driven by a broader skill set. The design and manufacture of EVs require diverse disciplines not present in traditional automotive production. And it’s these roles that are in more demand.  

Robotics, computer science, and software development are highly sought-after skills. So, while there will be roles for those with experience in the traditional automotive industry, you’ll have more of a competitive edge if you can add technological knowledge and experience to your CV.

Find out who’s hiring in your area

Once you know what you can do, find out what opportunities are available. You might be in luck. There may be a role with your exact skillset up for grabs. But the likelihood is that there will be a lot of competition. So, before getting ready to hand in your notice, it’s worthwhile really getting to know the industry and finding out how you can upskill to meet requirements.

Consider how to make yourself more suited to the EV industry

If you’re working full-time, the idea of further education might be a stretch. But if your local college or university offers relevant courses, it can be worth investing in your education. It’s also worth investigating the value of your hobbies. Technology – including robotics – is a hobby for many people. You don’t necessarily need a qualification if you have the skills. So, think about how to present your skills and use everything you’ve got to your advantage.

Network

Like every other industry, gaining work in the EV sector is often as much about who you know as what you know. Building a network of industry contacts can be a great way to ensure that you are known and that you don’t miss out on potential opportunities.

Join a specialist EV recruitment agency

When you work with an expert EV recruitment agency, they can help you to make the most of your skills, show you where you need to improve, and ensure that you’re not wasting your time on inappropriate applications. With a strong relationship with industry clients – often internationally – an agency will know exactly what each organisation needs and values. Enabling you to make the best possible personal presentation. And streamlining your transition from the traditional automotive to the EV sector.

The EV industry is highly competitive because it is an industry of the future. There is no conceivable way that the world is going to backtrack and re-embrace fossil fuels. Making the EV sector an exciting and dynamic place for a future career. You just have to make sure that you’re ready for it!

Get in touch with MRL to begin your move into your future career.