The UK’s trade industries are facing a labour shortage issue. This is especially true in the automotive sector, where it’s predicted we’ll experience a shortfall of 160,000 workers by 2031 due to an ageing population, a reduction in migration and many people leaving the profession all together. This shortage of ambitious people doing hard work with their hands begs the question; How can we encourage more people to enter the field, and keep them there? This is especially true for the younger generation. We should be inspiring them to explore opportunities to take on vocational work, changing the current narrative that a fulfilling career comes from attending university and working at a desk. The importance of apprenticeship schemes I’m sure it’s obvious to most people who are reading this. But, just in case, jobs within the skilled trades play a vital role in maintaining a wellfunctioning society. They ensure the safety, functionality, and upkeep of our homes, vehicles and businesses. Furthermore, these professions, and the apprenticeship schemes into them, narrow socioeconomic disparities and fuel social mobility. Offering competitive salaries without the necessity of a university degree, they provide a lifelong career for people who might not have the resources to go to university. There's a slight misconception that apprenticeship schemes are low paying. However, a recent study revealed that the average salary for an apprentice technician’s salary stands at upwards of £26,000 per year, with the potential to earn over £100,000 once completed. That shouldn’t be sniffed at. The fantastic news is that efforts to attract apprentices to the automotive industry have intensified, leading to a significant increase in job postings. Advertising for apprentices has surged since 2020, with job postings more than doubling since 2021, according to the IMI. Yes, university degrees act as a pathway to many careers. But, they aren’t the only option. It's essential, especially for young people, to consider all their options before determining their future career paths, and the industry needs to be encouraging that. A new type of automotive technician job With increasing demand for EV repairs and tasks involving software updates and car upgrades, the way we approach work in the automotive field is evolving. For those that have been in the profession a while, this can feel daunting. But, to preserve the future of the industry, we need to recognise that these advancements can make this job more enticing for tech-savvy people wanting a job that doesn’t involve a desk. This is especially important for today’s generation of school leavers who have grown up in a digital world and want to work in a job that allows them to further immerse themselves in it. Being an automotive technician is no longer solely about tightening bolts, although this will never stop being important. Automation and robotics are enhancing efficiency, safety, and precision in the industry. These transformations need a fresh set of skills that blend technical expertise with creative problemsolving. Getting young people excited about these developments and opportunities is the key to inspiring a 18 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2024 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net MIND THE GAP How can the industry tackle labour gaps and fuel passion in future automotive technicians? BY James Lett, Technical Expert at Autodata
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