The Ageing Workforce in Automotive: What Employers Need to Know

The UK automotive sector is heading into a critical skills transition. The numbers don’t lie. One in five technicians today is aged 55 or older. That’s 144,000 jobs, nearly 19% of the workforce, that will need replacing within the next decade. And that’s before you factor in the skills demand around electric vehicles (EVs), where we’ll need 175,000 EV-qualified technicians by 2035. Today, only 26% of those currently in the trade have those qualifications.

This is not a future problem. It’s a current risk with long-term consequences. Businesses that act now will be ready. Those that don’t may find themselves without the people or the capabilities to operate at all.

In this blog, we’ll explore what’s driving the shift, what it means for employers, and how apprenticeships can help build a pipeline that’s fit for the future.

The Ageing Workforce: What the Data Tells Us

Recent industry data shows a sharp demographic shift. The skilled, experienced professionals who’ve powered the industry for decades are approaching retirement. This isn’t about one or two roles, it’s systemic.

• Fewer young people are entering the trade compared to 20 years ago
• Apprenticeship uptake in automotive has dropped by over 40% in some regions
• Technological change is accelerating, especially in diagnostics, ADAS, and EV servicing

The challenge isn’t just filling roles. It’s doing so in a way that ensures knowledge transfer, maintains safety and quality, and supports the shift to greener technologies.

Why This Matters for Employers

Every garage, dealership, and fleet operator will feel the impact. Losing experienced staff doesn’t just affect headcount, it removes institutional knowledge, soft skills, and leadership capacity. If you don’t act early, you’re left with:

• Increased training costs to catch up
• Growing service backlogs
• Higher risk of errors or customer dissatisfaction
• A workforce not ready for the EV transition

And while recruitment remains tough across all skilled trades, the situation is especially challenging in automotive. New entrants are choosing different paths, and the sector is still battling outdated perceptions.

A Dual Challenge: Workforce Ageing + EV Upskilling

The shift to electric vehicles adds a second layer of urgency. By 2035, we’ll need 175,000 EV-qualified technicians. That’s not a stretch goal, it’s essential to meet government policy and consumer demand.

Yet:

• Only 26% of current technicians are EV trained
• Many of those are not qualified to work on high-voltage systems
• Demand for hybrid and EV servicing is already rising year on year

It’s not just about buying EV equipment. It’s about people who know how to use it safely, effectively and in line with legal standards.

This means you can’t just replace your ageing workforce with like-for-like hires. You need new entrants who can adapt and upskill fast, or better yet, start with those skills as part of their apprenticeship journey.

Apprenticeships are the Smart Solution for a Shifting Sector

Apprenticeships are not a stop-gap. They are a long-term, strategic way to grow talent that matches the needs of your business.

Why apprenticeships work for automotive:

• Apprentices learn on the job, building relevant experience from day one
• Training can include specific modules like EV, MOT, or diagnostics
• Employers can shape learners around business culture, standards and systems
• Costs are supported through the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% government funding
• Young talent see them as a viable alternative to university

We’ve seen employers future-proof their operations by introducing apprentices now, well before retirement gaps start to show.

Our delivery model includes:

• Block delivery to reduce operational disruption
• Consistency with the same tutor across the apprenticeship
• Add-on modules such as ADAS, EV, and Air Con qualifications
• Progress monitoring, transparent reporting and employer support

This approach gives you control, continuity, and a clear return on investment.

Beyond the Workshop: Broader Workforce Planning

It’s not just technicians. Other roles are ageing too: parts managers, service advisors, team leaders. You need a plan that looks across your workforce.

Ask:

• Where are the biggest retirement risks?
• Who holds critical knowledge that isn’t documented?
• Are your managers skilled at coaching and supporting new talent?

A workforce plan aligned with apprenticeship opportunities helps you:

• Build progression routes
• Increase engagement and retention
• Reduce your reliance on reactive recruitment

The Time to Act is Now

The automotive skills crisis isn’t coming. It’s here. But that doesn’t mean panic. It means preparation.

By investing in apprenticeships and upskill courses now, you can:

• Build a pipeline to replace your workforce on your terms
• Build EV readiness into your business
• Attract a new generation of loyal, skilled professionals

The sooner you start, the more time your senior staff have to pass on what they know, and the more ready your business will be.

What You Can Do Next

1. Audit Your Workforce

Map age profiles, identify skill gaps, and highlight roles where retirement is likely.

2. Prioritise Key Sites or Roles

Start where the impact will be biggest. Target high-volume workshops or areas with low retention.

3. Speak to a Training Partner

Hello! We can we’ll help you:

• Choose the right apprenticeship standard or courses
• Map out delivery and costs
• Integrate EV and other add-ons
• Maximise funding through the levy

4. Take a Phased Approach

Start small, test what works, and scale from there. You don’t need to replace everyone at once. You just need a plan.

The workforce is changing. The technology is changing. Training is your way to stay ahead of both.

By 2032, nearly one in five technicians will retire. By 2035, most of your jobs will require EV skills.

Don’t wait for the gap to widen. Build your next generation now.

Talk to us today to start building your future workforce.

_{Sources and References}

_{IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry), 2023: Analysis of automotive technician age demographics and retirement forecasts}

_{SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), 2024: Projections for EV technician demand and skills requirements}

_{Remit Training Webinar Insights, 2024: Employer discussions and feedback from national webinar on workforce planning and EV readiness}

_{GOV.UK Apprenticeships Data: Apprenticeship participation and completion rates across the automotive sector}