Automotive Industry: Unreasonable Hours and Unpredictable Schedules?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working as an apprentice engineer for two years at an OEM (Europe) that designs automotive lines for Tier 1 suppliers and other major OEMs (mostly German and American).

Lately, during the commissioning phases, I’ve noticed an increasing demand for "inhumane" working hours. Recently, for a project in-house (not at client, at our company), my manager tried to impose 15-hour shifts, weekends included. I refused. I pointed out that my contract specifies an 8-hour workday and that any overtime is at my discretion. I also told him plainly: if a 20 to 30-million-euro project depends entirely on an apprentice working 15 hours a day, then there is a fundamental flaw in the management.

Beyond the hours, the travel situation has become increasingly frustrating. I leave for a site without knowing when I’ll actually return due to last-minute changes, late-stage testing, or management delays.

At the same time, my responsibilities have grown significantly. There are days when my workload is identical to that of my senior colleagues, but my salary remains that of an apprentice in Europe.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts: is this just the general state of the automotive industry right now, or is it specific to my company?