Automotive apprenticeships fall as funding goes unused
Automotive apprenticeships fell by one per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of the 2025/26 academic year, according to a new report from the IMI.
This compares to an eight per cent increases in apprenticeships across all industry.
Meanwhile, use of the apprenticeship levy among large automotive employers was recorded at 52% during the period compared to an all-sector average of 67%.
The IMI’s Automotive Education Report also revealed a 5.2% decline in the number of new apprentices under the age of 19.
Key figures:
- Apprenticeship starts in the third quarter totalled 7,424
- Levy-funded starts fell by five per cent
- 57% of automotive apprenticeship starters were aged under 19
- Light vehicle, autocare and heavy vehicle account for 81% of starts
- Heavy vehicle starts jumped 35% to a series high of 1,379.
Emma Carrigy, head of research and public affairs at the IMI, said: “Our latest data shows that automotive employers remain committed to apprenticeship recruitment. However, with the sector largely populated by small businesses, the decline in automotive apprenticeship starts compared to growth across the market as a whole, points to the current system being difficult to navigate and access.
“There is no question that there is the demand for talent – vacancies are currently around 15,000. It is critical, therefore, that the apprenticeship reforms currently being finalised make the system simpler and more accessible to small employers.
“The decline in under 19s entering the workforce is also a concern. Hopefully this can be turned around as the government puts more focus on technical education in the school curriculum. It is vital that the sector has a strong talent pipeline as new and changing technologies become ever-more present, offering a huge range of exciting and diverse career opportunities.”
