Britain’s automotive sector is accelerating its push to build a future-ready workforce, with apprenticeship starts rising by a third over the past year, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The survey of major vehicle makers, component suppliers, R&D specialists and aftermarket firms found that 1,699 new apprentices began training in the last academic year, a 33% increase. A further 1,824 courses were delivered to help existing employees gain new qualifications and progress within their roles.
The research underlines the scale of the skills transformation facing the industry as it shifts towards electrification and digitalisation. Employers estimate that 61% of current roles will require new capabilities by 2035, particularly in high-voltage systems, battery handling and digital disciplines such as coding, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Significant investment is already flowing into the transition. Government has committed £4bn through the DRIVE35 programme to support the move to electric vehicles, while industry announced more than £1bn of its own funding last year. With all new cars and vans set to be zero emission within a decade, manufacturers say a new generation of engineers, technicians and software specialists will be essential.
Marking National Apprenticeship Week, the SMMT highlighted its UK Automotive Industry Career Guide as a tool to attract school leavers, career changers and returners. The organisation stressed that collaboration with Skills England and the new Growth & Skills Levy would be vital to ensure businesses – particularly SMEs – can access flexible, high-quality training. Planned levy changes in April, allowing shorter unit-based courses, are expected to broaden participation.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The UK automotive industry is investing in both people and technology, offering diverse and rewarding apprenticeships for career starters and upskillers alike. Developing new skills is mission-critical for the sector’s competitiveness and growth as well as our ability to produce the next generation of cutting-edge zero emission and automated vehicles that will transform our roads and society. Despite the tough economic conditions, the industry remains convinced that, by working together, industry and government will build a world-leading workforce equipped to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for the UK.”
