Automotive skills shortage as severe as ever

The automotive industry skills shortage shows no signs of abating, according to a new report published by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

Its UK Automotive Vacancy Overview report has found that there are 4.3 vacancies for every 100 employees in the sector, with 23,000 automotive jobs currently unfilled.

New tech such as electric vehicles and ADAS has contributed to the shortage of key skills, with 52% of job postings in January for vehicle technicians, mechanics, and electricians.

Steve Nash, CEO, said: “The gap between vacancies in automotive and all other UK sectors highlights the multitude of unique and ongoing challenges we face. With our sector currently facing around 23,000 vacancies, it’s critical that everything is done to encourage more job seekers to consider a role in automotive. 

“The IMI’s ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign is already spreading the word about the wide range of opportunities for school leavers, apprentices and career changers. Since launching last summer, we have already reached millions of individuals, many of whom have never held an automotive role. However, the reality is that, even with such a high level of success, it takes time for that to translate into reducing the vacancy rate.”