The motor trade needs a shift in attitude from the expectation of having a job for life, to instilling a value of continuous learning to ensure the workforce remains relevant and as agile as the evolving industry in which they work in, Autotech Recruit has said.
The recruitment specialist, dedicated to the automotive aftermarket, claims that today’s skilled technicians are very much aware of their value and continue to actively seek new job opportunities.
Gavin White, managing director of Autotech Recruit, said: “Many are taking the freelance route as garages owners are quickly realising that they could face a large financial hit if they have an un-manned MOT station, and are taking on temporary, highly skilled, technicians to avoid any losses.
“But motor industry bosses should be doing more to safeguard their current workforce and realise the importance of life-long learning in order to equip their technicians with the necessary skills required to deal with the rapidly changing industry.
“Vehicles are becoming increasingly digitalised and electric vehicles are starting to flood the market, the industry is certainly moving on at such a pace that ongoing training is essential.
“Testing and servicing vehicles today demands digital skills — a diagnostician who can solve puzzles without physical clues, like an engine knocking or an oil leak.
“But, if employees are not given the provision of training, they may well seek employment elsewhere, with an employer who will.”
In a raconteur report, that covered the UK workforce, 39 per cent of employees would be willing to sacrifice a job offer if there was no prospect of receiving further training, while 78 per cent described themselves as “ambitious”.
Autotech Recruit claim 90 per cent of technicians seeking employment through its service, cite lack of progression as the overriding factor for them wanting to move on.
White added: “According to reports, 65 per cent of children today will end up in careers that don’t even exist yet.
“But everyone will still need a vehicle, so making training an integral cog in the heart of a motor business rather than a mere add-on is vital.
“Only then will we begin to close the skills gap and attract the workforce of tomorrow from an early age, so the vehicle technician roles will seamlessly evolve along the technology.”
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