How do you get a job in..?

Although manufacturing has been battered by the recession and times are hard for many, industry associations say people with so-called STEM skills (science, technology, engineering and maths) are in demand.

McLaren Automotive is one company that has recently been recruiting and will be expanding over the next few years.

Alan Foster is the operations director for McLaren Automotive and he says that whilst qualifications may get you through the door - to work in the industry you have to be passionate.

Prospects4u has details of a wide range of jobs in manufacturing and shows the career paths likely to get you there.

Make It, an initiative from the Manufacturing Institute aimed at young people, has lots of basic information on manufacturing. You can also enter your abilities and interests to get suggestions of which jobs across the industry might be right for you.

There is more general information on looking for a job in our guide to coping with unemployment. And the government's Next Step site has advice on planning a career.