Worst skills shortage in automotive for more than 20 years needs rapid action

Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry urges Rishi Sunak to address funding for skills training in the Spring statement

Ahead of Wednesday’s Spring statement, Steve Nash CEO of the automotive professional body highlights the urgent need for improved funding for skills training.

“There’s no question the Chancellor has a number of pressing issues it’s hoped he will address in the Spring statement. But the IMI’s latest analysis of vacancies in the automotive sector highlights just how critical the skills situation is. We have been calling for the Government to inject funding specifically into training to work on electric vehicles; but frankly right now businesses need help to bring on talent right across all areas of skills.

“More needs to be done to help employers upskill their workforce. Retraining those currently out of work also needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. The massive advances in technology in automotive offer a wealth of opportunity; it’s critical therefore that the training is available for individuals who want to be part of what is an incredibly exciting sector.”

New analysis from the IMI has found that automotive vacancies are at their highest level for 20 years – at more than 23,000 - accounting for approximately 4% of the workforce. Motor trades had the sixth highest vacancy rate of all industry sectors.