Industry challenges revealed

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【Summary】The IMI annual report shows that jobs in the automotive industry have increased, but the number of businesses has fallen. Vacancies are at a 21-year high, highlighting the skills gap in the sector. Only 19% of the workforce is female and 39% are under 35. Steve Nash, CEO of IMI, emphasizes the need for upskilling, support, and training to fill the skills gap and increase diversity in the sector.

FutureCar Staff Aug 24, 2023 9:53 AM PT

The annual Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Baseline Report has highlighted some interesting trends in the automotive industry. While the number of businesses and job roles has fallen, vacancies have reached a 21-year high.

According to the report, there are currently 758,000 jobs in the automotive sector, showing a slight increase from 742,600 in 2022. Out of these, 78% are in retail while the remaining 22% are in other automotive roles.

On the other hand, the number of businesses has decreased from 100,000 in 2022 to 98,500. The majority of these businesses, 97%, are in automotive retail. The decline in job roles can be attributed to the increasing use of technology in the industry, which has made certain positions obsolete.

One concerning finding from the report is the lack of diversity in the sector. Only 19% of the workforce is female, and 39% are under the age of 35. These statistics highlight the need for more efforts to attract and retain a diverse range of talent in the industry.

Steve Nash, the CEO of the IMI, expressed his concerns about the growing skills gap and the impact it has on the industry. He emphasized the importance of upskilling the existing workforce to adapt to the evolving automotive technology. Nash also stressed the need for more support and training to attract the best future employees and increase diversity in all roles.

Creating a more diverse sector will not only make it stronger and more successful but also better equipped to serve the needs of every motorist in the UK. Nash urged the industry to work together in filling the skills gap and ensuring that the automotive sector continues to thrive in the face of technological advancements and the transition to electric vehicles.

The IMI Baseline Report provides valuable insights into the current state of the automotive industry and highlights the areas that require immediate attention. By addressing these challenges, the industry can secure its future and provide the necessary services to customers as the automotive landscape evolves.