The IMI predicts a 160,000 shortfall of workers in the UK automotive sector by 2031 based on figures from its Automotive Sector Employment report.
“We’re trying to turn the tide. We’re lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector to invest in addressing the shortage of 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 is just the tip of the iceberg,” the IMI said in a press release.
More needs to be done to attract young blood into the UK’s automotive sector. But it isn’t easy, especially when automotive isn’t always seen as a career destination, even though it offers so much.
“The IMI’s Diversity Task Force’s Perception of the Automotive Sector survey highlighted the issues we face. While over half of 16-18 year old survey respondents said they had a clear career plan, just 16% said they had considered the automotive sector as an option. That’s a damning statistic, and one we desperately need to address.
“Put simply, a lack of understanding about the range of roles, qualifications needed and salary expectations is hampering our ability to bring new talent in. We need to change that.”
