Motor sector skills crisis: 160,000 empty vacancies by 2031?
17 August 2022 
The skills crisis could reach crisis point by 2031 a new IMI report has warned, with 160,000 vacancies in the automotive sector that will need filling.
The roll-out of EVs and the impact of COVID-19 have played their part according to the latest Automotive Sector Employment Report, along with lower immigration and the fact that there are less working-age people able to partake of jobs in the industry.
The startling prediction comes despite the fact that the report also expects the number of jobs in the sector to actually fall by 2% over the same period. Vehicle technician will be the most in-demand role, accounting for 16% of vacancies.
Commenting on the report, IMI CEO Steve Nash said, “The industry faces its biggest skills challenge of the last two decades. We have been lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector for a long time to invest in addressing the shortage in 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 are just the tip of the iceberg.
“An aging population is a significant contributor to the dilemma. Many of our older workers are set to retire over the coming years and fewer younger workers are joining the labour force. Without doubt, more needs to be done to attract young blood into the UK’s automotive sector.”
The IMI’s Diversity Task Force conducted a ‘Perception of the Automotive Sector’ survey to understand career misgivings and motivators about the industry. The survey was completed by over 1,600 school-aged children and young people, as well as 448 youth influencers, including career professionals.
While over half of 16-18-year olds surveyed said they had a clear career plan, just 16% said they had considered the automotive sector as an option.
In order to highlight its concerns on the UK’s skills shortage and showcase the industry’s career opportunities, the IMI is exhibiting at this year’s The British Motor Show, Farnborough, which opens tomorrow (Thursday 18 August) and runs until Sunday (21 August). The IMI will be on Stand 2110.
To view the IMI’s Automotive Sector Employment Report, visit: https://tide.theimi.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-07/Automotive%20Sector%20Employment%202021-31_0.pdf