The UK’s automotive sector could be set to face 160,000 job vacancies by 2031, the latest IMI Automotive Sector Employment report has warned.
The role most in-demand will be the vehicle technician, which will account for 25,600 vacancies.
The report outlines that the culmination of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, the pandemic, decreased immigration and fewer people of working age, are fuelling an escalating skills crisis.
Despite forecasting a two per cent decrease in the number of jobs available in the automotive industry by 2031, the report highlights that rising employment replacement demand – due to retirement, migration and occupational mobility – will significantly contribute to the expected and unprecedented number of available vacancies.
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Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said: “The industry faces its biggest skills challenge of the last two decades.
“We have been lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector for a long time to invest in addressing the shortage in qualified EV technicians, and the majority have stepped up to the challenge.
“But our latest report worryingly reveals that the UK’s lack of EV skills are just the tip of the iceberg.
“An aging population is a significant contributor to the dilemma.
“Many of our older workers are set to retire over the coming years and fewer younger workers are joining the labour force. Without doubt, more needs to be done to attract young blood into the UK’s automotive sector.”
The IMI’s Diversity Task Force conducted a ‘Perception of the Automotive Sector’ survey to understand career misgivings and motivators about the industry.
The survey was completed by over 1,600 school-aged children and young people from schools and colleges across the UK and 448 youth influencers, including career professionals.
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Whilst over half of 16-18 year old survey respondents said they had a clear career plan, those in Key Stage three and four said they are particularly concerned about making the world a better place with comments made about improving the environment, better safety in the automotive sector and on vehicles, and a desire to help people.
However, just 16 per cent said they had considered the automotive sector as an option.
Over and above common misconceptions about the industry, a lack of understanding about the range of roles, qualifications needed and salary expectations was a key factor.
Influencer respondents reported that a lack of local placements meant they were unable to satisfy young people open to pursuing a career in the automotive sector.
Andy H
Who, in reality would want to work in the motor trade as tech?
Under paid.
Under valued.
Shockingly poor terms and conditions with very little career progression, you have to supply your own tools and continue to purchase new ones as well!
The cost of your tools now is the same as a deposit on a house!
Just don’t, choose a different trade or a job in an air conditioned office.
Meat-Head
Great news will be thousands of unfixable cars everywhere
All designed with #planned Obsolescence
No one will have knowage, skills, parts or information to repair
Bring it on.
Ronnie
The kids of today don’t want to do it they go-to university and and up flipping burgers at Ronald s place and the one’s that do are thicker than mincemeat