An event has been held to discuss the comparative lack of diversity in the aftermarket and how to change recruitment strategies to encourage new people in. Talent Recharge, organised by Autotech Group included a line-up of speakers, along with interactive roundtable and panel discussions to help delegates devise and deploy successful long term talent strategies.
Cited as a ‘restart moment’ and the chance to tear off the plaster which has been precariously holding the industry together for over a decade, the event also saw attendees participate in an interactive poll. Results revealed that over 75% felt that recruitment had become even more difficult following the pandemic, and 45% admitted that the skills shortage had cost their business over £100k in the last 12 months.
Speakers included former McLaren Formula 1 team mechanic and seasoned automotive broadcaster, Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley, recruitment advisor and entrepreneur, James Osborne, and other prominent figures from other industries who have faced similar skills shortage challenges.
The IMI’s Jim Saker and Joanna Hollingdale presented the findings from its recent Diversity Task Force Report and
opened up the floor with questions from the audience on how to implement diversity and inclusivity into their recruitment strategies.
While the morning focused on the trade, the afternoon session brought together senior leaders from the automotive industry with the education sector, specifically people who are responsible for their college’s automotive offering.
During the afternoon, VW Commercial Vehicles’ Paul Anderson joined Ford UK’s Sarah Brettle, Fix Network World’s David Lingham, Kevan Wooden from Euro Car Parts, and Catherine Treanor CAE MIMI from Electude to run a panel debate. This provoked discussions and provided some inspiring ideas on how the automotive industry and FE colleges could work together to “rewrite the playbook” and step up their efforts in securing future talent for the industry.
Kevan Wooden, Chief Commercial Officer at Euro Car Parts commented: “A truly great event to amplify the ways in which the industry and the education sector can collaborate to bring great talent into our sector and build amazing careers.”
Rebecca Garratty, Recruitment Advisor for Marshall Motor Group, commented: “It was clear from the day’s discussions that collaboration is key, and we need to rewrite the narrative and encourage future generations of the automotive industry.”
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