The automotive industry remains in top spot when it comes to the number of vacancies for ever 100 employees, the latest data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) shows.
Reflecting the typical seasonal apathy for job changes over the summer months, the latest IMI Vacancy Rate Tracker shows the automotive sector has stayed in the top spot for the second month. The IMI’s analysis of the August 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows motor trades vacancies remain at 21,000 with 3.7 vacancies for every 100 employees.
Push to reduce automotive vacancies
“Clearly the summer months provide additional challenges for automotive employers who already face significant skills gaps; the fact that the sector has remained in number one spot is not, therefore, a surprise,” commented Kevin Finn, Executive Chair at the IMI.
“Now, as we head into the Autumn with the typical pattern of post-holiday job changes as well as new apprenticeship starts, it is critical that employers demonstrate the breadth of opportunities that exist in the sector. Technological advances make a career in automotive an exciting prospect and that message needs to be pushed as strongly as possible.”
Bigger competition for jobs
Recent reports suggest there is a lack of ADAS-skilled technicians in the industry, at a time when the number of vehicles including the technology is only going to grow. In addition, more and more EVs are coming to UK roads, as carmakers push to meet their ZEV Mandate targets. This necessitates an increase in skilled staff.
However, the market is, for the first time, competing with other sectors for the younger generation. No longer is the automotive industry reliant on pure engineering skills. Now, software and coding are essential parts of the market, putting the sector in competition with the gaming and technology industries. It is key, therefore, that the aftermarket projects a good image to attract a new skilled workforce.
The IMI’s Theres More to Motor campaign is helping to shift perceptions and encourage more people at all levels to consider a career in automotive, vastly increasing the talent pool businesses can tap into when recruiting to fill their skills gaps.
With support from employers, this campaign is essential as the mix of automotive technologies on UK roads demands a more diverse skillset than ever before.
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