Nearly 1,000 qualified automotive technicians are seeking work despite an acute skills gap in the sector.
Autotech Academy has revealed that 830 newly-qualified vehicle technicians are struggling to find a job, despite repairers across the country being short-staffed.
According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, there are nearly 17,000 automotive vacancies in the UK, with recruitment pressures a quarter higher than the national average.
The skills gap is exacerbated by an aging workforce, with almost 20% of technicians over the age of 55 and nearly 50% over 45. The IMI is now predicting that 144,000 technicians will have retired by 2032.
First chance
Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, said: “There are hundreds of newly qualified technicians we are in contact with who are ready to work right now. They’ve undertaken the training, hold all the relevant theory and are actively looking for roles. The shortage isn’t because young people don’t want these jobs, it’s because too many can’t get that crucial first chance.
“What we’re seeing is newly qualified technicians taking jobs in retail, hospitality and logistics simply to pay the bills. Once they settle into those sectors, many won’t come back. If the automotive industry doesn’t act, this talent will be lost; not because it wasn’t there, but because it wasn’t picked up in time.”
Filling vacancies
King concluded: “This isn’t just about filling vacancies today. It’s about whether the UK has enough people in the talent pool to keep its cars on the road in five or 10 years’ time. With a wave of retirements coming, failing to bring new people through now will make today’s problems look small by comparison.”
“The next generation is ready. The question is whether the industry is ready to give them a start.”
