SMMT unveils new careers guide

The SMMT has launched a new automotive Career Guide to help address the growing skills gap in the sector.

The guide comes after nearly half (49%) of UK automotive companies admit they are concerned about skills shortages in key roles.

Produced by the SMMT Charitable Trust Fund in partnership with the City of London Livery Company, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Career Guide provides a key resource for school leavers, graduates and career changers on the vast range of new opportunities in the development, production and maintenance of exciting technologies, from hydrogen trucks and electric buses, to high-performance sports cars, self-driving vehicles, zero emission components, advanced software solutions and technical roles in the £50bn aftermarket sector.

It offers insight into a wide range of automotive sectors and employers, with advice on how to find the ideal job or apprenticeship, interview techniques and scholarship and bursary opportunities, for people from all backgrounds, experience, gender, ethnicity, qualification and ability.

The launch follows SMMT’s latest member survey, which found that nearly eight in 10 (77%) companies were struggling to recruit staff.

However, with the number of automotive apprenticeship starts growing by 67% last year – some 16% above pandemic-levels – the industry has never been more open and accessible to career seekers.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s world leading automotive sector is delivering the vehicles of the future, today, and the skills and commitment of a new generation of diverse and talented workers will secure its success. There has never been a more exciting time to work in the industry, with some of Britain’s best paid, rewarding and long-lasting careers, and a breadth of opportunities at the vanguard of the Net Zero and AI revolution. SMMT’s new Career Guide offers a valuable resource, providing advice on how to join the sector in roles as diverse as design, data analytics, engineering and marketing, leading the charge towards a zero emission future.”