How Eurorepar is tackling the sector-wide skills shortage

Head of Network Neil Gibbs is positioning technical support as the solution to the UK industry's mounting crisis

How Eurorepar is tackling the sector-wide skills shortage

With independent workshops potentially losing up to £1,000 daily due to recruitment delays¹ and 58% struggling to find qualified technicians², Eurorepar Car Service’s (ERCS) newly appointed Head of Network Neil Gibbs is positioning technical support as the solution to the UK industry’s mounting crisis.

In today’s increasingly complex automotive landscape, UK independent technicians face unprecedented challenges. Modern vehicles bristle with sophisticated electronics, hybrid powertrains, and advanced driver assistance systems that demand specialist knowledge and diagnostic capabilities. Against this backdrop of skills shortages and rising complexity, Gibbs – who recently moved from his role as Parts Operations Manager at Distrigo – has identified technical support as a key differentiator that can help independent workshops not just survive but thrive amidst a challenging market.

“The ERCS message is that it needn’t be OEMs and franchises versus independents, but that we can all work together,” says Gibbs, whose June appointment signals a strategic shift towards bridging the gap between manufacturer expertise and UK independent workshop needs.

Plugging the skills gap

With the current average of 44 days to fill a technician position in the UK⁴, ERCS’s technical helpline has become more critical than ever for workshops. Staffed by qualified automotive technicians who understand the real-world pressures facing independent garages, it offers direct line for members to specialists who have worked on the workshop floor and understand the nuances of modern vehicle diagnostics and repair.

When technicians encounter challenging diagnostic scenarios or unfamiliar fault codes, they can access step-by-step guidance from experts who have likely seen similar cases before. This real-time support can transform a potentially costly diagnostic session into an efficient, profitable repair for UK workshops, while ensuring customers receive accurate solutions first time. This is particularly crucial in the current market where customer retention is vital for independent garages competing against franchised dealers.

What sets this service apart is its practical approach. Rather than theoretical advice, technicians receive actionable guidance tailored to their specific situation, often including recommended diagnostic sequences, component testing procedures, and even sourcing advice for specialist parts from trusted distributors such as Distrigo.

Preparing for EV

With electric vehicles set to dominate the aftermarket by 2030, ERCS has invested heavily in developing IMI-accredited training programmes that bridge the gap between traditional mechanical skills and modern automotive technology. Gibbs recognises that independent workshops must meet the same service standards, marketing presence, and professional appearance as main dealers, particularly as electrification accelerates. Its training curriculum covers everything from hybrid vehicle safety procedures to advanced diagnostic techniques for the latest engine management systems.

The training delivery is designed with busy workshop schedules in mind. Options include online modules that technicians can complete during quieter periods, intensive workshops for deep-dive technical sessions, and even on-site training for larger independent groups. This flexibility ensures that continuing professional development doesn’t have to mean workshop downtime.

Particularly valuable are the hands-on diagnostic workshops where technicians work with actual vehicles and live fault scenarios. These sessions cover common diagnostic pitfalls, proper use of advanced diagnostic equipment, and interpretation of complex data streams that modern vehicles generate.

Diagnostics support

Modern vehicle diagnostics extend far beyond simple code readers, and ERCS provides independent workshops with access to manufacturer-level diagnostic capabilities. Its diagnostic support includes access to technical service bulletins, wiring diagrams, and component location guides that are typically only available to main dealer networks.

The diagnostic support package includes remote assistance capabilities, where ERCS technical specialists can review diagnostic data and fault codes alongside workshop technicians. This collaborative approach helps independent workshops tackle complex electrical faults and intermittent problems that might otherwise require multiple customer visits.

ERCS also provides guidance on diagnostic equipment investment, helping workshops choose tools that offer the best return on investment while ensuring compatibility with the vehicle parc they typically service.

Gibbs concluded: “Eurorepar Car Service’s comprehensive support ecosystem demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges facing independent workshops today. By combining accessible technical expertise, flexible training options, and advanced diagnostic support, we are helping independent technicians thrive in an increasingly complex automotive environment.”


References:

  1. Autotech Group (2025). “Automotive Aftermarket 2025: How to Tackle Rising Costs & Skill Shortages.” Available at: https://autotechrecruit.co.uk/news/overcoming-challenges-in-2025-in-automotive-aftermarket/
  2. Motor Ombudsman survey cited in Autotech Group report (2025)
  3. Autotech Group (2025). “Automotive Aftermarket 2025: How to Tackle Rising Costs & Skill Shortages.”
  4. S&P Global Mobility (2025). “Automotive aftermarket industry trends 2025: Key insights.” Available at: https://www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/automotive-aftermarket-industry-trends-2025

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