The motor trades industries are still topping the list of vacancies in the UK, as the country heads towards the General Election.
The latest report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) should act as an important reference point for political parties when putting together their manifestos.
While there has been a slight drop in the number of vacancies across the automotive industry, from 23,000 to 22,000, motor trades are holding firm to the top spot of all industries, alongside hospitality. For every 100 motor trades employees there are four vacancies, dropping from 4.1 last month.
The figures in the IMI’s UK Automotive Vacancy Overview report for April 2024 confirm that the sector continues to face a multitude of challenges which are exacerbating the job vacancy crisis.
One of the most significant is the increasingly technological advances in automotive, uplifting the technical knowledge and experience required for many job roles. This means each motor trades vacancy is competing against tech roles across a wider range of industries.
Technical importance for motor trades
Emma Carrigy, Research Manager at the IMI commented: “Increased competition for each motor trades vacancy is certainly having an impact on businesses’ ability to fill roles. However, it should also be seen as an opportunity. The rising number of technical roles our industry requires today and in the near future means the pool of applicants is potentially wider than ever.
“It is critical, therefore, that we do everything we can to change perceptions of what a career in automotive offers to effectively attract talent from other sectors.
“The IMI’s ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign is focused on doing just that. The campaign is spreading the word about the wide range of opportunities for school leavers, apprentices and career changers. Since launching in 2023 it has reached millions of individuals, many of whom have never held an automotive role.”
Automotive vacancies peaked in early 2023, reaching 30,000. The current figure of 22,000 vacancies is therefore a significant improvement. However, it does not go far enough. With the number of vacancies remaining stubbornly high for the past 12 months, the sector continues to buck the nationwide trend for all industries.
General Election opportunities
The Institute of the Motor Industry is welcoming the opportunity to engage with every political party in the run up to the General Election, to ensure that the critical issues around automotive vacancy rates, skills, education, and new technologies in automotive are addressed in their manifestos.
“Automotive is a mainstay of UK economic and social infrastructure, however, without correctly maintained and repaired vehicles, supported by a sufficiently populated, diverse, qualified, and continuously trained workforce this fundamental is at serious risk,” the industry association said.
“The IMI believes that there is a clear opportunity for the next Government to learn from the past and provide the support and infrastructure that will ensure UK automotive remains a global leader, as well as give UK motorists and businesses confidence.”
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