Automotive industry skills gap wider than other industries

A new report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has revealed that vacancy rates in the sector are now 4.3 per 100 hundred employees, which is 43% above the average for all sectors.

Its UK Automotive Vacancy Overview report reveals that only the hospitality industry is facing are more acute job shortage.

The lack of skills is attributed partly to the emergence of new technologies such as EVs and ADAS, with 52% of job postings in January seeking vehicle technicians, mechanics, and electricians.

Steve Nash, CEO, said: “The gap between vacancies in automotive and all other UK sectors highlights the multitude of unique and ongoing challenges we face. With our sector currently facing around 23,000 vacancies, it’s critical that everything is done to encourage more job seekers to consider a role in automotive.

“The IMI’s ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign is already spreading the word about the wide range of opportunities for school leavers, apprentices and career changers. Since launching last summer, we have already reached millions of individuals, many of whom have never held an automotive role. However, the reality is that, even with such a high level of success, it takes time for that to translate into reducing the vacancy rate.”

Emma Carrigy, research manager at the IMI, added: “The correlation between trends in vacancy rates and job postings in the sector illustrates a complex scenario, defined by technological evolution, shifting consumer preferences, and the ongoing challenge of bridging the skills gap. Automotive is in transition, seeking to address the skills gap and adapt to future mobility needs simultaneously, to maintain a successful and thriving workforce and prosper in this new landscape.”