AutoRaise, the charity dedicated to addressing the UK’s automotive repair skills crisis through apprenticeships, is relaunching during National Apprenticeship Week 2025 with a bold new vision to tackle the industry’s talent shortage.
At a time when the industry faces over 5,000 unfilled roles, AutoRaise is stepping up efforts to connect young people with life-changing career opportunities.
And there’s no better example of what apprenticeships can achieve than Rosie Smith, a talented Vehicle Paint Technician Apprentice whose journey proves that hands-on learning can open doors to unexpected and fulfilling careers.
Rosie never imagined herself in a bodyshop. After initially enrolling in college to study fine art and photography, she quickly realised that sitting in a classroom all day wasn’t for her. Searching online for career ideas, she stumbled across a vehicle paint apprenticeship – and it changed everything.
She said, “I didn’t even know this job existed. I found it by accident, applied on a whim, and now I absolutely love it.”
Rosie has now completed her apprenticeship and qualified, proving the talent that exists in young people when they’re given the right opportunities.
Her story is at the heart of why AutoRaise is relaunching with a renewed focus—because young people like her need to know that rewarding careers in automotive repair exist.
Emma Speed, Managing Director of AutoRaise, said, “Apprenticeships are the key to solving the skills crisis in our industry. But right now, too many young people simply don’t know about the opportunities available to them. Rosie’s journey proves that hands-on learning can transform lives—and we need more Rosies in the industry.”
The AutoRaise relaunch will focus on:
Boosting Awareness – Launching a nationwide campaign to ensure apprenticeships in bodyshops are recognised as viable and exciting career paths.
Supporting Employers – Helping bodyshops take on apprentices by offering resources, funding guidance, and structured training programs.
Championing Diversity – Making the industry more inclusive by showcasing apprentices from all backgrounds and learning styles.
As part of the relaunch, AutoRaise is inviting employers, training providers, and industry leaders to get involved, take on apprentices, and help build a stronger, more skilled future for automotive repair.
Rosie concluded, “We need young people to see this trade as a career, not just a job. If more schools and businesses promoted apprenticeships, I think we’d see a lot more people like me choosing this path.”
