UK automotive industry facing “critical” skills gap

The next Government is being urged to tackle a growing skills gap in the UK’s automotive sector by GSF Car Parts.

The firm’s CEO, Steve Horne, says that the skills gap is an “artificial straitjacket” around UK independent garages. He argues this is stifling the market’s potential and increasing costs for motorists.  

“The skills gap currently facing the sector is a huge ticking timebomb – and it only seems to be getting wider and wider,” explained Horne. 

“This is incredibly painful for garages that are successfully winning work and looking to grow. 

“The skills gap is a straitjacket around the growth ambitions of the entire sector.

“GSF Car Parts is recruiting heavily and adding a huge range of skilled jobs. But finding people is a real challenge for the sector, and there is no sign that this will let up any time soon.” 

GSF Car Parts is a leading distributor of car parts in the UK, with 185 branches and more than 3,000 staff.

Horne says that the skills gap could have a detrimental impact on UK consumers, reducing choice, competition and ultimately driving up the costs. 

“We need to sort this out – and quickly. We need to direct more young people to the sector, give the industry a name as an ideal career destination, whilst opening more routes for young people,” he added.

“The independent garage sector has been in the shadows too long. There are exceptional people working in skilled roles on incredibly complex vehicle technologies.

“The public’s perception may be of people twirling spanners, but technicians need a raft of skills to deal with today’s cars.”  

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) recently predicted a shortfall of 160,000 workers this decade, with major concerns around the number of vehicle technicians.

It also found that the vacancy rate in the motor trade is currently running at its highest point in 21 years, with 5.1 jobs out of every 100 vacant, a ratio only surpassed by vacancies in accommodation and food services. 

Ambi Singh, CEO of Easy2Recruit, said: “This shortage poses a direct threat to the UK’s automotive industry’s ability to innovate and compete on a global stage, especially in the shift towards sustainable and electric vehicles. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. 

“In order to help alleviate this crisis, I recently wrote to the Home Secretary, requesting vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians be added to the Shortage Occupation List.

“This critical step will enable the automotive sector to access the global talent pool, ensuring sustained growth and innovation within the industry.”