The UK’s automotive industry is underrepresented by key government strategies, especially in regards to skills ahead of the switch to electric vehicles, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) claims.
In an open letter to Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynold, the trade body – which represents some 110,000 members – is calling for greater recognition for the sector given the £37 billion brought into the economy last year and 866,000 jobs it provides.
IMI boss Azlina Bulmer said the industry’s 21,000 vacancies – the highest of all UK sectors – is one of the most glaring red flags that shows more support is needed in addition to clarity over future government plans – especially in Wednesday’s Budget.
“Addressing the current skills gap is essential to support economic growth, decarbonisation targets, and the evolving demands of modern vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS),” she said.
“The IMI strongly believes that creating a pipeline of talent through apprenticeships, vocational training, and upskilling programmes is the only way to meet the urgent demand. This must be reflected in government policies, with a focus on long-term skills development in alignment with industrial strategy. Collaborative efforts between government, business, and educational institutions are key to building the capacity necessary to fuel the automotive sector’s growth.
“By integrating the automotive sector into broader skills and industrial strategies, government can ensure that the UK not only meets its decarbonisation goals but also secures a leading position in the global automotive industry for decades to come.”
She concluded: “Retaining existing members of the workforce and empowering them with the skills of today’s technologies and those that are fast emerging, is a primary concern for the IMI. By working directly with businesses, we address the specific challenges they face – whether it’s navigating complex funding systems, understanding qualification requirements, or finding skilled candidates.”
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