Review of automotive sector SIC and SOC codes critical to future workforce planning and skills investment

The IMI is contributing to ONS review to ensure the sector is properly recognised, prioritised and funded

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is working with the Office for National Statistics (ONS), industry stakeholders and government representatives to support the on-going review of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes relating to the automotive sector. The review is an important opportunity to improve how automotive businesses, occupations and skills are recognised within national datasets and government policy frameworks.

SIC codes are used to classify industries and businesses, while SOC codes categorise occupations across the UK labour market. However, many automotive occupations are currently grouped within broad categories such as engineering, manufacturing and generic repair, limiting the sector’s visibility in workforce data and policy development.

“The automotive workforce is undergoing significant transformation, driven by electrification, digitalisation, advanced diagnostics and the transition to net zero,” explained Emma Carrigy, Head of Research and Public Affair. “Yet many of the occupations supporting this transition remain only partially visible in national labour market data. If automotive occupations are not accurately classified, there is a risk that workforce shortages, emerging skills demands and safety-critical roles are overlooked in government policy, funding decisions and workforce planning.”

As part of its contribution to the review, the IMI has highlighted several areas where existing occupational classifications could better reflect the modern automotive workforce. This includes improving recognition of specialist roles such as MOT testers, auto electricians, roadside assistance technicians, vehicle damage assessors and emerging battery specialists linked to electric vehicle technologies.

The IMI has also recommended updates to existing occupational descriptions to better reflect the increasing technical complexity of modern vehicle maintenance, repair, diagnostics and accident repair activities.

The review has important implications for:

• workforce and skills planning
• apprenticeship and training investment
• industrial strategy and net zero policy
• labour market intelligence and occupational forecasting
• recognition of emerging technologies and specialist occupations

The IMI believes improving occupational visibility is essential to ensuring the automotive sector receives appropriate recognition as a major contributor to the UK economy and green transition.

“Classification systems may appear technical, but they directly influence how industries and occupations are understood, prioritised and supported,” added Emma Carrigy. “Better recognition of automotive occupations will strengthen workforce intelligence and help ensure future policy and investment decisions properly reflect the needs of the sector.

“As the professional body for automotive, the IMI will continue to champion clearer recognition of the people and professions that keep the UK automotive sector moving.”

The IMI will continue working with the ONS and industry stakeholders as the review progresses and future proposals are developed.