Tackling the skills shortage
The days of getting under a bonnet with a wrench are rapidly changing. As vehicles become more advanced, technicians are going to need new and different skills to service them. Between ADAS systems and EVs, digital literacy and computer skills will be crucial – as well as the physical skills needed to work on the tools. But with the UK facing an ongoing skills shortage, how can the automotive industry get past this bump in the road?
What is the skills shortage?
The automotive industry is facing a big problem in the UK. The lack of available skilled technicians is growing, and the widening skills gap is putting the brakes on what should be a thriving industry. According to the IMI, vacancy rates in the industry are the second-highest in the ‘Vacancies by Sector’ chart using data from the ONS from June 2024. Apparently the sector now has “approximately 20,000 vacancies” covering over 200 different roles. In January 2024, 52% of job adverts were seeking vehicle technicians, electricians and mechanics – which goes to show the skills gap could be widening due to cars becoming more technologically advanced.
Why is this happening? Well, it’s a perfect storm of an ageing workforce retiring out of the industry and the next generation being a little slower to join. How can we stop the younger technicians from stalling and encourage them to enter the auto industry??
How can we tackle the skills shortage??
Technology in the sector is evolving all the time. In June 2024, 19% of new registered vehicles were EVs , which need a host of different skills to service and repair. The IMI suggests the future of garages and body shops will be the way that techs work alongside technology, rather than fighting it. As well as automating some key tasks including welding, the IMI is proposing that technicians work to embrace technology, rather than reject it. An article published by the IMI said: “Rather than completely replacing human roles, technology could be harnessed to divide tasks and support technicians in their work. By strategically incorporating automation and artificial intelligence, businesses can enhance efficiency without compromising the need for human expertise and judgment.”
Where does EV come in?
There are many people skilled in EV, but maybe not enough of them where they are needed. A recent report shared from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph found that around 84% of automotive employees with EV skills in the UK are working for companies outside of the main manufacturers. The survey looked at 38 EV-related skills on users’ profiles, including battery testing, automotive electronics and more, and locations were assessed too. Unsurprisingly, given how many of the auto giants are based in the Midlands, the majority of EV-skilled employees were found in Coventry, Northampton and Leicester. The next generation of technicians are going to need to boost their EV skills, and fast, if they’re going to keep up with the changing pace of the automotive industry.
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What about apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are still a valuable tool in getting younger people into the workforce.
In the 22/23 academic year:
What’s interesting is the age groups — the majority of apprenticeships (48%) were started by people 25 or over, and just 23% were started by people under 19. What more can be done to get school leavers into apprenticeships? Since July 2024, the new government has promised to overhaul apprenticeships and focus on the skills and training young people need to enter apprenticeships and the workforce. Only time will tell how this develops and it’s something we’ll keep an eye on over the coming months and years.
Supply vs demand
Mark said: “As a recruiter, the change I can see most is that the demand for staff is healthy, but supply is not. From what I’ve seen, we’ve been too slow to invest in the next generation coming through. The value of learning a trade has also changed and younger people are being encouraged to sit behind a desk rather than under an engine. Adverts don’t always attract who you’re looking for, can be expensive to run and then the whole cycle starts again if you find someone who’s the wrong fit. There is a shortage of talent in automotive, and the way to find it is to tap into the passive marketplace.”
Ready for smarter recruitment?
For more information on harnessing the power of the passive marketplace, contact Mark today for a chat, and follow Challender Recruitment on LinkedIn for more news and updates.
Owner, spectrumautomotive ltd
3 个月it’s not because of the Ev ‘s It that the wages are so poor for the knowledge and equipment You have to have , you can be a plumber and earn three times as much or go and work on the trains ,a lot of it’s governed by the insurance company paying such poor rates I can’t see any end to it.