A new report suggests that the UK’s car industry could be facing a 160,000-strong worker shortfall over the next decade…
A Major Worker Shortfall
A new report, produced by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), suggests that the UK’s car industry could be facing a major worker shortfall; possibly as high as 160,000 within the next decade. This is due to a myriad of factors, including an aging population, declining immigration and skills shortages.
In particular, the anticipated worker shortfall will largely be a product of the transition to electric vehicles. The IMI has continually warned that there’s a major shortage of EV-ready technicians, meaning that the 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol sales could be jeopardised. It has, however, also noted the impact of both the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.
The report notes that the most in demand role is likely to be that of vehicle technician; accounting for some 16% of all vacancies within the industry.
What’s Going On?
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, has commented on the report’s conclusions. He said, “we have been lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector for a long time to invest in addressing the shortage in qualified EV technicians, and the majority have stepped up to the challenge. But our latest report worryingly reveals that the UK’s lack of EV skills are just the tip of the iceberg”.
He continued, “an aging population is a significant contributor to the dilemma. Many of our older workers are set to retire over the coming years and fewer younger workers are joining the labour force”.
The IMI has also identified a number of factors that are discouraging younger people from entering the car industry. These include knowledge gaps concerning pay, qualifications and the diversity of work involved. It’ll be exhibiting at this year’s British Motor Show in order to address some misconceptions.
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