These days, there seems to be a widespread assumption that almost everyone will go to university when they finish school. The reality is far from that: according to a government research briefing published in March 2025, the higher education entry rate among UK 18-year-olds in 2024 was 36.4% in 2024.
While a good university course, matched with the right student, can open up a lot of options and provide valuable knowledge and skills, higher education is not the only way forward. Many of the UK's most successful people started their working lives without a degree. In fact, many of them left secondary school with few or no qualifications.
Getting experience in one or more practical jobs can provide a great foundation upon which to build a career. Apprenticeships, assistant and trainee positions, even sweeping up and making tea, are all ways to get a foot in the door.
Regtransfers has compiled a list of 10 real jobs - from entry-level gigs to mobile trades - where car and motoring enthusiasts can start earning, learning, and maybe even go on to start businesses of their own.
1. Car Valeter / Detailer
The role: Valeters and detailers are the people who can turn a tired, drab car into a gleaming ride to be proud of. By reviving paintwork, deep-cleaning interiors, and adding a few more finishing touches, they can make a car look brand new.
There is real knowledge to be gained about which cleaning agents and methods are appropriate for each of the countless different materials and finishes that make up a modern car. Like many hands-on occupations, valeting/detailing is in great demand by individuals, car dealerships, second-hand vehicle retailers and more. A satisfying and potentially lucrative job for anyone who takes pride in a job well done.
The reasons why: No degree? No problem. Many dealerships and mobile services will train you up on the job. Top requirements are a strong work ethic, a keen eye for detail, and a willingness to get stuck in. It’s a great way to get into the automotive world without needing formal qualifications.
The money: Top job website Indeed puts the average salary for car detailing at around £36,000 a year, depending on experience.
The future: This one has serious potential. Many valeters end up launching their own mobile detailing businesses, working on everything from superminis to supercars.
2. Tyre Technician
The role: It may not be obvious, but there's a lot more to this job than simply carrying tyres and undoing and replacing wheel nuts. Tyre fitting is a vital part of ensuring that cars are safe and roadworthy. In addition to removing and replacing tyres, a tyre technician checks tread depth and wear, tyre pressures and tyre condition. With training, a technician may carry out wheel alignments and wheel balancing.
The reasons why: It’s one of the easiest ways to break into the automotive world. You don’t need any previous experience or qualifications - just a willingness to learn how to do the work properly and a positive attitude to busy, physical work. Many places will train you from scratch.
The money: Starting pay tends to fall between £18,000 and £25,000, but Indeed puts the average salary at just under £29,000 per year.
The future: With extra training, you could move into broader mechanic work, specialise in wheel alignment or diagnostics, or even work towards becoming an MOT tester. It’s a job that grows with you - and a great base if you’re thinking of going mobile or self-employed down the line.
3. Windscreen Repair Assistant
The role: Another essential service that helps to keep cars safe, legal and on the road. A windscreen chip from a small stone or some other debris can obscure your vision, weaken your whole windscreen and cause your car to fail its MOT. A windscreen technician is the person who puts it right, either by performing a near-invisible repair with specialist materials or by replacing your windscreen.
As many jobs are call-outs to attend vehicles at their locations, you’ll often be out and about, visiting customers at home, work, or by the roadside. It’s a great career for those who prefer to keep on the move.
The reasons why: It's another occupation that can be learned as you go, so no previous experience is needed. Most employers provide full training, so you’ll learn everything on the job, including how to handle tools, use resin-based repair systems, and safely install new glass. It’s a great fit if you’re practical, good with people, and if you like a role that presents different challenges every day. There's great satisfaction to be had from getting a grateful customer back on the road.
The future: Around £20,000 to £30,000 (with an Indeed average of just under £30k) depending on the company, hours, and any bonuses - especially if you’re doing emergency or out-of-hours work.
Where it could lead: Once you’ve mastered the basics, there’s real room to specialise. Many windscreen techs move into ADAS recalibration - that’s the system behind features like lane assist and emergency braking, which often depends on correctly aligned windscreen-mounted cameras. Or you could go self-employed and run your own mobile repair business, building a local client base and setting your own schedule.
4. Car Wash Attendant
The role: This one’s all about elbow grease and instant results. You’ll be washing, rinsing, waxing, and drying, by hand or with equipment - to get cars looking sharp. Some places focus on quick turnarounds, while others go the extra mile with interior vacuuming and polish. Either way, it’s a job that keeps you moving and your hands busy, so it's a great way to earn while staying active and keeping fit.
The reasons why: This is, perhaps, one of the most accessible ways to start earning. It's ideal for a school leaver with limited qualifications. It's also a great option for someone who likes straightforward, practical work that they can just get on with. You'll need a strong work ethic and a willingness to work outdoors all year round. Washing cars is another great option for people who like to stand back for a moment and see the difference they've made.
The money: Typically £10–£13 per hour, with the potential for tips if you’re working customer-facing shifts.
The future: Plenty of people use this role as a launchpad. With time and practice, you could move into valeting or car detailing. With experience and determination, you could start your own hand car wash business, possibly offering additional valeting and detailing services.
5. Garage Assistant
The role: As the right-hand man or woman in a mechanic's workshop, you'll probably do everything from making tea, fetching and carrying tools and sweeping the floor to helping with routine car maintenance such as inflating tyres, topping up oil, brake fluid and wash/wipe bottles and maybe helping with simple mechanical tasks under the bonnet.
The reasons why: No qualifications or experience are needed, and once again, it's a foot in the door that can lead to additional training and better paying work. You'll be constantly exposed to cars and be able to observe the work done by mechanics. This is where many aspiring mechanics get their start.
The money: Expect somewhere between £16,000 and £22,000, depending on the size of the garage and your hours.
The future: Once you're in, the opportunities start opening up. You could train as a mechanic, work towards becoming an MOT tester, or move into diagnostics and specialist repair work. Everyone starts somewhere - and this is a solid first step.
6. Mobile Mechanic (Entry-Level)
The role: Rather than working in a garage where customers bring their cars to you, as a mobile mechanic you go to the customer. There's a long list of common problems that make it difficult or impossible for someone to get their car to a garage: a flat battery, worn or faulty brakes, leaking coolant or oil and many more. Wherever the customer may be stranded, the mobile mechanic identifies the problems and, if possible, fixes it there and then. For a mobile mechanic, the van is the workshop.
The money: This is another role that doesn't always need qualifications when you first start out. Many companies, and even sole traders, will consider taking on an assistant or trainee. Learning on the job and observing the work of an experienced mechanic will teach you the skills and you may get the opportunity for further study and to take specialist courses.
What you could earn: Once you’ve acquired some skills, pay will usually be in the £20,000 to £35,000 range, with the potential to earn a lot more in the future if you start your own business.
The future: To set up on your own as a business would require access to enough capital or credit to acquire a van and tools. However, once that initial outlay is covered, there is very good money to be earned.
As a bonus, a signwritten van is a great opportunity to get a private number plate! Readers of our magazine, The World of Personal Number Plates, will know that a good plate can be a fantastic branding and marketing tool.
7. Parts Delivery Driver
The role: It's basically what the title says, collecting car parts from suppliers and delivering them to garages, dealerships, and customers. Most delivery runs are short, local trips, so if you're not already familiar with the area where you'll work, you soon will be. Most parts aren't overly heavy but be prepared for the occasional bulky or weighty item. You'll be in and out of the van all day, and you'll need to be organised. Managing time and learning to accurately estimate the duration of journeys will help the working day run smoothly.
The reasons why: The only qualification you'll really need is a clean driving licence. As that's something many, possibly most, people want anyway, it shouldn't be a problem. You'll be out and about instead of being stuck in an office, and you'll get to see a variety of people during your working day.
The money: Typically between £18,000 and £24,000, with some companies offering vehicle use, fuel cards, or overtime on top.
The future: Delivery workers are always in demand. With experience of collecting from and delivering to businesses, you may be able to find work in fleet logistics, become a courier or take on a number of transport roles.
8. Vehicle Delivery Driver (Using Trade Plates)
The role: Basically, this job is moving cars from A to B. Those cars may be brand-new stock being delivered to dealerships, vehicles needing to move to and from auction houses or used cars being delivered to purchasers. Since many of these cars aren’t taxed or registered yet, you may have to use temporary ‘trade plates’. These are supplied by your employer.
The reasons why: If you’ve got a full, clean driving licence and a good sense of direction, you’re pretty much good to go. It’s ideal if you enjoy time on the road, don’t fancy a desk job, and like the idea of driving different cars every day.
The money: Around £8–£12 per hour or per job, depending on whether you’re employed or self-employed and how far you’re driving.
The future: This kind of work often leads to wider automotive logistics - think fleet management, vehicle inspections, or even running a small team of drivers. It’s a great way to become familiar with the car trade and to make contacts that may serve you well if you decide to start your own car delivery business in the future. If you do go into business for yourself, you'll apply for your own trade plates.
9. Vehicle Wrap Installer
The role: Vehicle wraps can transform a vehicle. A very practical, reversible alternative to custom paint jobs, wrapping involves the application of a vinyl film that covers the vehicle's original finish. Wraps can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. From changing the colour of a family car to branding a van for business, wrapping can do it all.
The reasons why: In keeping with the theme of this article, you don’t need any formal qualifications to start out in vehicle wrapping. A steady hand, attention to detail, patience, and a bit of visual flair will serve you well. Most people learn on the job or through short training courses, and there’s strong demand from businesses, car lovers, motorsport teams and more.
The money: Pay commonly ranges from £20,000–£35,000 depending on skill and experience.
The future: Vehicle wrapping is a growing field. You could team up with signwriters or graphic designers, go mobile, or even set up your own studio. Whether the customer is an individual or a business, this is another service that pairs perfectly with personal number plates!
10. SMART Repair Trainee (Scratch & Dent Repair)
The role: SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) fixes many kinds of vehicle body damage From annoying bumper scrapes to car park dings and light panel damage, this job involves using specialist tools and techniques to fix cosmetic issues without needing a full respray or an extended stay at a body shop. Most of the work happens on-site, often at people’s homes or workplaces, making it perfect for a mobile setup.
The reasons why: Many national companies offer trainee programmes, where you can learn everything from paint-matching to dent removal. If you’ve got a steady hand and a good eye for detail, this could be a really satisfying route into skilled work - and one that doesn’t take years to get up and running.
The money: After training, earnings may be anywhere from £20,000 to £35,000+, depending on how many jobs you take on and the area you cover.
The future: This trade is a great candidate for self-employment. A well-equipped sign-written van can be a mobile gold mine for an enterprising and hardworking person. With low overheads and flexible hours, many SMART repairers go solo.
Be your own boss, but do it right
Got a bit of get-up-and-go? Plenty of people skip the employment bit altogether and go straight into self-employment. That said, one of the most valuable assets any business has is its reputation. You'll want to do a good job and get good, genuine reviews, so equipping yourself with knowledge through training and experience is the way to go. Whether you do that on the job or with specialist courses.
University is not the only path to a great career. There are countless opportunities for those who didn't spend years studying for a degree, as we have seen above.
