The EV qualified automotive aftermarket workforce grows – but at a slower pace 

The sector will need 107,000 EV technicians by the end of the decade

The EV qualified automotive aftermarket workforce grows – but at a slower pace 
Photo: Bigstock

The latest data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional body for individuals working in automotive, reveals that 20 percent of the UK aftermarket population is now qualified to work, to some level, on electric vehicles.

In the second quarter of 2023, 2,900 technicians achieved EV certification, bringing the total number of qualified EV technicians in the UK to an impressive 45,300.

However, the rate of EV qualifications appears to be slowing, with a 36 percent decline in certifications year-on-year. And compared to the previous six-months there’s a 26 percent drop in certifications. Early analysis by the IMI of Q3 data suggests that this trend is persisting with a 7 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2022.

Emma Carrigy, research manager at the IMI said: “It’s perhaps not surprising, given the enormous amount of uncertainty in the early part of this year about the ICE ban, that individuals working in the sector and their employers have taken their foot off the pedal on EV training. It also appears that training budgets may be among the first to be cut in the face of challenging economic conditions.

“The sector is grappling with high vacancy rates. This not only means the focus has shifted towards recruitment, diverting attention and resources away from training. Current technicians are also being deployed to cover existing workforce gaps, rather than having the time to undertake additional training. This is particularly challenging for the independent sector.”

According to the IMI data, while early uptake in training was concentrated in dealerships, training providers and roadside assistance services, demand has been slower to materialise in the independent sector. The smaller businesses appear unable to invest in training on a drivetrain that they have not yet seen much in their workshops. However, the reality is, as the EV parc increases and ages it’s critical that consumers have confidence that they can take their electric vehicle where they choose and not be limited to the franchised dealer sector.

The IMI has added new data to its analysis of the EV TechSafe data to show the training requirement for the sector. This considers factors such as training for newcomers to the sector, attrition rates, the vacancy rate, and retraining needs after a three-year Continuing Professional Development (CPD) cycle.

Unfortunately, this additional requirement exacerbates the skills gap, with 8,000 EV technicians needed by 2030; escalating to 24,000 by 2032.

The IMI predicts that by 2030 the sector will need 107,000 EV trained technicians, increasing to 126,000 by 2032, increasing to 185,000 by 20351. Considering the current dampening in the take-up of EV qualifications and the current challenges posed by vacancies and economic pressures, the IMI forecast for the take-up of EV qualifications eligible for TechSafe has been adjusted. Projections indicate a potential shortfall of qualified technicians by 2030, which could reach 13,000 by 2032 if the current trends persist.

Emma Carrigy added: “The biggest concern the IMI has is the mixed messages being sent to employers and individuals within the automotive sector.

“This ambiguity could stifle the commitment to training, which is crucial for road safety and economic stability. Fleet buyers, who account for 50 percent of new EV sales, are likely to sustain demand for EV-trained technicians due to corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.

However, if the automotive workforce cannot see immediate returns on EV training investments due to consumer hesitation, the existing skills gap will widen, leading to longer repair wait times and potential economic and social mobility setbacks.”

The IMI is currently running a campaign – There’s More to Motor – to change perceptions of the career opportunities in automotive.

For the full IMI EV TechSafe report for Quarter 2 2023 click here.

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