Scottish Apprenticeship Week: Drop in Scottish automotive apprenticeships puts road safety at risk

The voice of automotive workforce urges Scottish employers to access available funding to invest in apprenticeships

New data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reveals that there was a 5.76% drop in automotive apprenticeship starts in Scotland  in 2025.  While the decline is marginal, the IMI believes it is vital for the future success of the sector – and Scottish road safety - that the downward trend is halted. In Scotland, automotive businesses increasingly require skills in electric and hybrid vehicle servicing, diagnostics, and emerging AI-driven systems. Investing in apprenticeships is the ideal solution to fill these skills gaps.

Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI said: “With 54%  of Scottish businesses reporting the impact of skills gaps, apprenticeships provide a tangible solution. They are a strategic long-term investment, enabling businesses to shape the next generation of technicians to meet their specific needs.

“The theme for this week’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week – Work for Scotland – underlines the long-term benefit of investment in apprenticeships. It is about building the skills, talent, and innovation that will power the Scottish economy for years to come, and that is especially critical for the automotive industry as it embraces one of the most dynamic and innovative transformations in its history. However, it appears that some Scottish employers are not making use of the available funding.”

Scottish employers can utilise Modern Apprenticeship funding, which covers training costs, with smaller businesses benefitting from sector-specific incentives and grants where eligible. The IMI provides guidance, quality assurance, and apprenticeship standards, helping employers make the most of these opportunities.

“Apprenticeships offer a proactive way to secure skilled employees, reduce recruitment pressures, and ensure businesses remain competitive in a rapidly evolving sector,” added Nick Connor. “Plus apprenticeships equip the workforce with practical knowledge that can be applied immediately, as well as creating a talent pipeline that strengthens the economy, reduces unemployment, and builds resilience in Scotland’s automotive sector.”