Across the UK, a new generation of vehicle technicians are ready to step into the world of work. With Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in light vehicle repair and maintenance under their belts, these young individuals are emerging from colleges with enthusiasm, fresh knowledge, and a strong desire to begin meaningful careers in the motor trade. Yet despite their readiness, too many face a familiar and frustrating bottleneck: a lack of opportunity, writes James Mackay, a director at Autotech Academy.
The skills shortage across the automotive industry has been well documented. Employers nationwide are feeling the pressure of unfilled vacancies.
According to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), there are currently around 13,000 unfilled roles across the sector, with technical positions making up most vacancies. Yet, while the demand is undeniable, the routes into employment remain unclear for many newly qualified professionals.
This disconnect – between the supply of trained vehicle technicians and the availability of entry-level roles – represents one of the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Young technicians, often having spent up to three years in full-time college education, are eager to put their skills to use. But without structured pathways into workshops, they risk being left behind. It’s a paradox: a workforce in need of talent, and talent in need of a start.
One of the most significant barriers these individuals face is the lack of practical, in-garage experience. Employers seek candidates who can hit the ground running, but how can someone gain hands-on experience without first being given the chance to work in a live environment? This catch-22 situation means many newly qualified technicians are turning to apprenticeships- after completing college – as a last resort to gain access to the trade.
It’s a concerning trend. If we don’t make space for young talent, we risk losing them altogether, not just from our own businesses, but from the sector entirely. And in today’s competitive labour market, other industries are waiting with open arms.
Ingrained habits avoided
Despite the challenges, this wave of newly qualified talent represents a golden opportunity for automotive employers. These young people arrive in the industry with the core skills, theoretical grounding, and, importantly, no ingrained habits or preconceptions. This makes them highly adaptable and well-suited to businesses looking to build a loyal, skilled workforce from the ground up.
By offering structured early-career experiences, whether through apprenticeships, internships, or trainee roles, employers can develop technicians in line with their specific workshop standards and brand values. With the right mentoring, this raw talent can be transformed into long-term assets, reducing turnover and future-proofing operations.
With the next cohort of college leavers set to qualify this summer, the timing for action couldn’t be more critical. Employers who move quickly will have the pick of the brightest and most motivated individuals – those who are passionate about the trade and who are hungry to learn. Delaying risks missing out on these candidates altogether.
The truth is the future of the automotive industry depends on who we bring into it today. Investing in young people isn’t just a short-term fix to plug staffing gaps, it’s a long-term strategy to safeguard the health and sustainability of the entire sector.
For decision-makers across the industry, the message is clear: open the door now, or risk watching this vital stream of talent disappear down other avenues. We cannot afford to let that happen.
Author: James Mackay, director, Autotech Academy