Industry backs skills push at Automechanika Birmingham
10 December 2024 
Messe Frankfurt UK, the team behind next June’s Automechanika Birmingham, has unveiled the headline sponsors and launch partners for a major skills initiative to be held alongside the event.
Toyota GB, European Tyre Enterprise Limited (ETEL, including Kwik Fit), LKQ Euro Car Parts, Autotech Group and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) are joining forces to support ‘Motorvate’ — the not-for-profit programme to address the UK automotive industry’s skills shortage.
Additional backing comes from silver sponsor Castrol Race part of Certas Group, and supporting partners Hella, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation, School of Thought and the National Body Repair Association.
And Automechanika Birmingham is urging others interested in supporting Motorvate to express an interest before December 20.
Industry leaders say Motorvate represents a united industry push to inspire the next generation and build a sustainable talent pipeline, with the IMI forecasting a sector shortfall of 160,000 by 2031 — including the urgent need for 45,800 additional technicians.
‘Opportunity’
Autotech Group founder Gavin White, one of Motorvate’s key ambassadors, said: “We have a window of opportunity now to raise this beyond boardroom discussions and insular industry conversations, to pull together and attract, train and retain the talent on offer to us.”
White, who was recently honoured with the IMI’s award for making an outstanding contribution to the motor industry and named an honorary life member of the NTDA, said: “I believe the opportunity presented by Motorvate is the platform the industry has desperately needed.”
School of Thought founder Dave Reece said: “Motorvate is a great new programme to drive the message across the industry, get as many companies involved as possible and address the generation gap and skills shortage.”
Motorvate and Automechanika Birmingham will take place at the Birmingham NEC from June 3-5, 2025, in hall 17.
To support the initiative and find out more, click here or contact Liam Bryant (Liam.Bryant@uk.messefrankfurt.com / 01483 483984).