Are you ready to be motorvated?

Automotive faces a major skills crisis. The IMI predicts a shortfall of 160,000 workers in the UK automotive sector by 2031, presenting a huge challenge for everyone involves in the industry. It’s why Messe Frankfurt UK, in association with the IMI, is hoping to address the challenge with a new showcase event at Automechanika Birmingham 2025.

It’s Automechanika Motorvate event is a dedicated showcase for automotive careers, skills and recruitment, bringing together not only Messe Frankfurt and the IMI but also industry heavyweights Autotech Group, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Toyota and European Tyre Enterprise.

The event is designed to promote the automotive sector as the innovative, exciting and technology-driven industry it is, with a vast array of appealing career opportunities for entrants to the sector.

At the heart of the showcase will be the Ignite Arena; a dynamic and engaging hub that will play host to stimulating talks & panel discussions, celebrity appearances, competitions, entertainment, music, and sponsor events to engage and excite the audience.

Surrounding sponsor and exhibitor stands will showcase a variety of career opportunities, skills and training expertise, and a raft of recruitment prospects with the most progressive employers in the UK aftermarket.

Motorvate is aiming to attract college and university students, those actively seeking a new career, currently employed but looking for new opportunities, a business owner looking for opportunities to train their staff, or anyone involved with getting talent upskilled and in to work. Big goals, but needed given the number of talented people automotive needs.

The IMI will help power the Motorvate event with different stands highlighting the exceptional career paths available in the sector. It’s also working with Delphi to showcase the skills that will drive the industry forward, with practical, hands-on experiences.

Celebrating young talent

Part of the Motorvate event will also celebrate the exceptional talent that in the sector that’s pushing it forward.

The Thirty Under 30 award sponsored by Comma and partnered by the IMI will recognise individuals aged 30 or younger who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in the automotive industry. From bodyshop professionals and technicians to those in other key roles throughout the sector, this award is a celebration of talent that is driving the industry forward.

An expert panel of judges, including representatives from the IMI, Comma, School of Thought and Automechanika Birmingham, as well as Simon Wait, Head of Editorial at Bodyshop magazine, will assess each entry based on key qualities such as passion for the industry, proven track record, career aspirations, forward-thinking, adaptability, resilience and courage. Judges will also look for applicants who are shaping the industry and have gone above and beyond in their roles.

Agatha Pounds, Marketing Manager for Messe Frankfurt UK, said: “We are excited to launch Automechanika Birmingham Thirty Under 30 as a way to not only celebrate the amazing talent already contributing to the automotive sector, but also to inspire the next generation to step up. This initiative is an opportunity for young professionals to showcase their hard work, achievements and vision for the future of the industry. We look forward to seeing the nominations and are excited to celebrate these outstanding individuals at Automechanika Birmingham in June 2025.”

Automotive desperately needs to attract new talent and keep hold of the brilliant people already in the sector. The Motorvate event at this year’ Automechanika Birmingham is a chance to highlight just what automotive has to offer, and start the conversations needed to make sure the predicted shortfall in workers doesn’t hit that startling 160,000 the IMI estimates.

Find out more about Automechanika Motorvate and how you can help stop the skills crisis.