Classification of automotive jobs under review
The Institute of the Motor Industry is working with government, the ONS and industry stakeholders to improve the classification of automotive jobs.
It is supporting reviews of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes to improve how automotive businesses, occupations and skills are recognised within government policy frameworks.
SIC codes are used to classify industries and businesses, while SOC codes categorise occupations across the UK labour market.
However, many automotive occupations are currently grouped within broad categories such as engineering, manufacturing and generic repair, limiting the sector’s visibility in workforce data and policy development.
Transformation
Emma Carrigy, head of research and public affairs, said: “The automotive workforce is undergoing significant transformation, driven by electrification, digitalisation, advanced diagnostics and the transition to net zero.
“Yet many of the occupations supporting this transition remain only partially visible in national labour market data. If automotive occupations are not accurately classified, there is a risk that workforce shortages, emerging skills demands and safety-critical roles are overlooked in government policy, funding decisions and workforce planning.”
The review has important implications for:
- workforce and skills planning
- apprenticeship and training investment
- industrial strategy and net zero policy
- labour market intelligence and occupational forecasting
- recognition of emerging technologies and specialist occupations
Carrigy concluded: “Classification systems may appear technical, but they directly influence how industries and occupations are understood, prioritised and supported.
“Better recognition of automotive occupations will strengthen workforce intelligence and help ensure future policy and investment decisions properly reflect the needs of the sector.”
