IMI ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign launches as latest Labour Market Briefing reveals 24,000 sector vacancies

Automotive vacancy rates show small signs of recovery but are still higher than any time pre-2023

The latest Automotive Labour Market Briefing from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) highlights a slight improvement in job vacancy rates. There are currently 24,000 vacancies compared to 26,000 at the start of the year. With the sector facing a vacancy rate 34% higher than the average across all other industries the IMI’s focus on breaking myths and misperceptions about working in automotive is critical with its game-changing ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign kicking off this week.

There’s More to Motor has been created by the IMI to shift widespread perceptions and showcase the vast array of opportunities for school leavers, graduates and career changers alike. Launched in a number of regions around the UK, the campaign is using social and digital platforms to reach a wider and potentially untapped talent pool. Those who engage with the campaign will be directed to employers and recruitment agencies offering a range of vacancies in their area. It’s an innovative real-time approach that the IMI believes will start to fix the significant skills gap the sector faces.

In the past 12 months, all automotive occupations saw rising numbers of job vacancy postings, peaking at the start of the second quarter of 2023 and then slowly declining. Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians are the most sought-after professionals, with postings increasing 32% year-on-year. And, for the first time, English Language made the top ten requested skills list, possibly suggesting that employers are looking further afield to fill vacancies.

“We have noticed that management, leadership and sales skills are less frequently requested now than a year ago, with a greater number of vacancies focused on core skills,” commented Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry. “It could be that this reflects a fall in the number of management roles advertised, but it could also simply be because of an urgency to fill roles that require those core skills. Also reflecting the urgency is the rising number of postings for apprenticeships, as well as increasing salaries.”

Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters advertised salaries have increased by 9.3% in the past 6 months and job postings for apprentices has increased by 55% in the past 6 months.

“Whilst these are encouraging signs that employers recognise they need to change tactics to attract new talent, there’s no getting away from the fact that not enough people see automotive as an inclusive and exciting career route”, continued Steve Nash. “Our goal with the ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign is to break down those misperceptions.

“There are currently 218 occupations across the sector, with technological advances – from ADAS and electric to connected motoring and online sales - creating opportunities that go far beyond traditional perceptions of working in automotive. And our new campaign highlights the career opportunities that exist for individuals, whether at the start of their working life or looking for a change in direction.”

Using a highly targeted, regional digital media strategy, real voices share their own positive experiences within the automotive industry and encourage others to do the same.