Automotive Education Report Edition 14

This report explores the latest trends in automotive qualifications and apprenticeships across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It draws on the most recent data available, including apprenticeship statistics from the Department for Education (DfE).

The analysis focuses on Q4 2024 (October to December) and shows a mixed and often difficult picture for automotive education and skills.

Q4 2024 at a glance

• Automotive qualification completions fell by 4% year-on-year
• EV and hybrid qualifications made up 44%of all automotive certifications
• The most awarded qualification was the IMI Level 3 Award in EV system repair
• Apprenticeship starts dropped overall by 3%
• MET and Accident Repair apprenticeships saw sharp declines
• Heavy Vehicle Technician apprenticeships rose by 11%.

Qualification completions

Automotive certification numbers dipped by 4% compared to Q4 2023. Some of this drop may reflect seasonal shifts, but the longer-term picture suggests a slow-down.

General vocational qualifications rose by 6%, which shows some growth across technical training, although that uplift has not yet carried over into automotive pathways.

Electric vehicle (EV) skills

EV and hybrid qualifications now make up a large share of the total, accounting for 44% of all automotive certifications in Q4 2024.

The IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement topped the list, representing 17% of all certifications in the sector. This reflects growing demand for EV repair skills, even though total certification volumes fell by 6% over the year.

Apprenticeship trends

Apprenticeship starts in early 2024 to 2025 dropped by 3%, continuing the downward trend in other parts of the sector.

Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET) saw a steep fall of 36%, and Accident Repair apprenticeships declined by 23%. In contrast, Heavy Vehicle Technician apprenticeships rose by 11%, suggesting some resilience in this area.

What the full report covers

• A deeper analysis of qualification and apprenticeship trends.
• Insights into electric and hybrid vehicle training uptake.
• The latest TechSafe data to support workforce and skills planning.