The UK’s automotive sector is facing a critical test. New analysis from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) paints a sobering picture of an ageing workforce, slow progress on diversity, and a lack of meaningful government support, all of which threaten the sector’s ability to attract and retain the talent it needs to survive.
At a time when the industry is under pressure to deliver on net zero, adopt new technology, and adapt to fast-changing vehicle systems, the human challenge may be the toughest one of all.
According to the IMI’s latest workforce data, over 47% of people working in automotive are aged 45 or older.
That alone signals a looming skills gap, one that could widen unless fresh talent is brought into the trade.
While there has been a small rise in diversity, progress remains painfully slow.
Women make up just 18.6% of the automotive workforce, compared to 50% nationally.
Even more concerning, female representation in senior roles has dropped by 12.3% over the past three years, leaving only 10.4% of top positions held by women.
There are glimmers of progress in other areas: representation of non-White British workers has risen sharply from 12.5% to 19.9%, and the number of disabled workers has increased by 2.5% over three years. Yet the pattern is the same, fewer of these individuals are making it into leadership.
“Not enough is being done”
“UK automotive cannot afford to lose in the race for talent, yet right now not enough is being done to future-proof the sector,” warns Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI.
The IMI is taking action through initiatives like ‘More to Motor’, partnerships aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks, and collaboration with the Automotive 30% Club, where it is a Gold Partner.
These efforts are designed to open the door to new talent, particularly women, young people, and under-represented groups.
But as Connor makes clear, the solution can’t rest with the IMI alone. “We need employers to step up,” he says. “Our data shows that diverse automotive businesses outperform their peers by 25%, so it’s hard to understand why we’re still seeing such small improvements across the sector.”
The IMI is urging government to reform skills funding, invest in industrial strategy, and recognise competence standards such as IMI TechSafe as part of a national effort to secure the automotive workforce of the future.
Without that support, the IMI warns, both diversity and skills development will continue to lag — even as government expects the sector to deliver on net zero targets.
Why it Matters
The IMI’s analysis underlines just how important it is to make the automotive trade appealing to new entrants. Creating an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for the future of every garage.
Practical steps such as inclusive recruitment, mentorship programmes and clear career pathways can make a real difference.
And don’t keep your progress quiet, showcase it. Share your stories, your people and your culture on social media. That’s where the next generation of technicians and apprentices are looking to see what kind of garage you are, and whether they can see themselves in it.
How is your business tackling the skills gap? Drop your comments below.
