The UK automotive sector is grappling with an alarming shortage of skilled technicians, a situation that is increasing waiting times for car repairs and servicing nationwide.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reports the sector “faces acute labour market pressures, with high vacancy rates.” Currently, there are an estimated 19,000 vacancies, primarily for technicians. This issue is set to worsen as the workforce ages; the IMI forecasts that 144,000 of the current workforce could retire by 2032. The IMI’s Head of research, Emma Carrigy, stated: “It means car owners won’t just face longer waits; there will be a knock-on effect on the wider economy and road safety.”
Challenges on the Workshop Floor
Local garages are struggling to recruit young workers. Stuart Powell, who runs Blendworth Tyres in Hampshire, noted the difficulty in attracting staff due to low incentives and high overheads. Powell recounted issues with recruitment: “We advertised a tyre fitter’s job recently, had 48 people apply, six looked suitable on paper, but only one turned up for the interview.”
Phil Lewis, manager at Lillywhites in Emsworth, echoed this, citing “money” as the core problem.
The Root Causes
The IMI believes the trade is struggling to recruit due to its outdated image, which deters women, disabled people, and ethnic minorities. Carrigy explained that younger generations often “discount automotive because of the old perception.”
Furthermore, the complexity of apprenticeship schemes is a major deterrent for smaller businesses. Powell stated: “Apprenticeships take up too much time for a small business like ours.” Young technicians themselves recognise the issue; Madison Godfrey, 23, noted: “I think younger generations just want to get rich quick; they don’t want to put in the hard work.”
The Solution
The IMI and industry leaders are calling for change, with Carrigy urging the government to “sort out apprenticeships, give the sector the kudos and acknowledgement of what a skilled profession it is.” Powell argued that school leavers should be made aware that qualifications like the City and Guilds MOT tester certification mean “you’ll always walk into a job, and it’ll pay your mortgage and feed your kids as you go through life.”
Source: Telegraph
