The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched a new Automotive Career Guide to attract new talent to the industry.
This comes after SMMT research found that 49% of UK automotive companies are concerned about the skills gap and their ability to fill key roles.
The new guide provides a key resource for school leavers, graduates and career changers on the vast range of new opportunities in the industry, from research and development in autonomous and zero-emission vehicles to technical roles in the aftermarket.
It also provides employer details and advice on how to find the right job or apprenticeship, interview techniques and scholarship and bursary opportunities.
It is hoped this will help bridge the gap between skills and vacancies, with SMMT research revealing that 73% of companies in the industry are experiencing recruitment challenges in operations and manufacturing roles. This is despite the fact that the sector offers salaries 14% higher than the average.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Britain’s world-leading automotive sector is delivering the vehicles of the future, today, and the skills and commitment of a new generation of diverse and talented workers will secure its success. There has never been a more exciting time to work in the industry, with some of Britain’s best paid, rewarding and long-lasting careers, and a breadth of opportunities at the vanguard of the Net Zero and AI revolution. SMMT’s new Career Guide offers a valuable resource, providing advice on how to join the sector in roles as diverse as design, data analytics, engineering and marketing, leading the charge towards a zero emission future.”
