The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is calling for greater support in automotive training and jobs, following the release of the most recent GCSE results.
As the government continues to develop these educational opportunities, the IGA is strongly advocating for targeted support to help young people enter the automotive industry, particularly within the independent garage sector.
While the market is essential to the UK economy, it faces a growing skills gap, exacerbated by the rapid evolution of automotive technology. The demand for highly skilled technicians is increasing, and the IGA believes it is imperative to equip young people with the necessary skills to fill these roles.
“To effectively address this challenge, we believe government support should not only focus on training young people but also on assisting independent garages that are eager to hire and train these new technicians,” the industry body said in a statement.
“Small and medium-sized garages often face financial and logistical barriers when it comes to recruiting and training apprentices. By providing incentives, grants, or subsidies to these businesses, the government can ensure that more young people have access to quality training environments and real-world experience.”
Success in GCSE results
The IGA extended its congratulations to the over one million students who received their GCSE results and vocational qualification results. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in their educational journeys, opening doors to a variety of pathways, including A levels, apprenticeships, vocational-technical qualifications (VTQs), and the expanding T Levels.
Many students will now be considering their career prospects, and looking at either college study or apprenticeship opportunities. Therefore, following the revealling of GCSE results is an important moment, not just for them, but for the future of industries they may look to join.
The independent garage sector offers a wealth of opportunities for young professionals to grow and evolve alongside the technological advancements in the industry. As the automotive landscape changes, with electric vehicles, advanced diagnostics, and other innovations, so too will the demand for technicians who are well-versed in these new technologies. Therefore, the IGA believes that supporting garages in their efforts to train and employ young people will help secure the future of this vital industry.
“We are pleased to see the government’s commitment to broadening educational opportunities for young people, but it is crucial that this support extends to the businesses ready to employ them,” said Stuart James, CEO of the Independent Garage Association, following the release of the latest GCSE results.
“The independent garage sector is at the forefront of automotive innovation, and with the right backing, we can provide the next generation with the skills and experience they need to thrive. By supporting garages in their efforts to recruit and train young technicians, we can ensure that our industry continues to flourish and that young people have access to rewarding careers.”
Addressing regional disparity
This year’s GCSE results highlighted a growing disparity in regions across the UK, especially in the North / South divide.
According to the BBC, while London remained the highest-performing region in 2024, the West Midlands was the lowest, where the GCSE results pass rate was 63.1%. This 9.4 percentage-point gap is up from 8.7 last year, when London was also the highest-performing area, and the West Midlands was joint with the North-East as the lowest.
The IGA is aware of the need for addressing the regional divide when it comes to GSCE results. “We also welcome the government’s focus on addressing regional disparities in educational attainment,” the body stated. “Ensuring that young people, regardless of their location or background, have access to high-quality training and career opportunities in the automotive sector is crucial for the sector’s sustainability and growth.
The IGA also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government, educational institutions, and industry partners to ensure that the independent garage sector is well-equipped to support and employ the next generation of skilled technicians.
