The UK automotive sector is facing a critical skills gap, described as a ‘timebomb’ by industry leaders.
- Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, warns that the skills deficit is a major constraint on the sector’s growth.
- The shortage of skilled technicians is increasing costs for consumers and limiting market potential.
- Industry leaders are calling on future governments to urgently address this issue and enhance career pathways.
- Upcoming trade events aim to highlight these challenges and explore solutions to support the automotive industry.
The United Kingdom’s automotive industry is now grappling with a significant skills gap, termed a ‘timebomb’ by leading figures such as Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts. The skills shortage is seen as a severe restriction on growth, affecting independent garages and resulting in heightened costs for consumers.
Horne asserts that the skills deficit acts as an ‘artificial straitjacket’ constraining the potential of the sector, which is already facing challenges in a transition towards electric vehicles. He emphasises the urgent need for more skilled technicians to ensure that the market thrives, highlighting the critical role of young people in filling these gaps.
As GSF Car Parts invests heavily in scaling its operations, including a new distribution centre, the difficulty in recruiting qualified personnel remains a significant hurdle. This issue is not confined to any single company but is pervasive across the sector, affecting competition and consumer choice.
This concern was echoed by Ambi Singh, CEO of Easy2Recruit, who identified staffing shortages as a threat to the UK’s automotive sector’s ability to remain competitive globally. The Institute of the Motor Industry predicts a shortfall of 160,000 workers in this decade, particularly in vehicle technician roles.
Singh proposes adding vehicle technicians, mechanics, and electricians to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List as a necessary step to access international talent pools. Upcoming events like the TechFest Garage Technology Festival serve as a platform for industry leaders to discuss these pressing issues and seek collaborative solutions.
Addressing the automotive skills gap requires urgent action from future governments to ensure the industry’s sustainable growth.
