Working in partnership with RHA Skills
Close
Solve Your Tech Shortage & Upskill Your Workforce
Working in partnership with RHA Skills
Read Time: 5 Minutes
The automotive industry is changing faster than ever. Electric and hybrid vehicles, connected systems, and digital tools are reshaping every part of the sector, from manufacturing to aftersales.
For employers, the challenge is no longer just filling roles. They need teams that can grow and adapt as technology moves forward. Apprenticeships make that possible.
Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of apprenticeships is no longer a formality. For automotive businesses, it’s a way to see how training connects directly to performance, cost savings, and long-term success.
When people talk about ROI, they often focus on immediate costs such as wages, training, and time. The real return goes further than that.
A strong apprenticeship program doesn’t only save money. It improves productivity, increases retention, and creates a steady flow of new talent that supports growth for years to come.
Apprenticeships create value in three main ways:
Seen in this way, apprenticeships are not a short-term expense. They are a long-term investment that keeps paying back.
Return on investment over the three-year Level 3 maintenance & repair apprenticeship
IMI research indicates apprentices in the automotive sector can deliver ROI between 150 % and 300 %, i.e., for every £1 invested, a business nets between £1.50 and £3.00
The UK automotive sector is facing one of its biggest talent shortages in decades.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) predicts a shortfall of 25,000 qualified technicians by 2030 if training does not keep up with demand for electric and hybrid expertise. Many experienced workers are also nearing retirement, creating a growing gap between established skills and new technology.
At the same time, employers are managing tighter margins, changing customer expectations, and increasing competition for skilled staff.
Apprenticeships offer a practical solution. They allow businesses to develop talent from within, tailor training to real operational needs, and keep valuable knowledge inside the organisation.
This approach not only addresses the skills gap but also builds the next generation of professionals who are ready to work confidently and safely with the latest technology.
Hiring experienced technicians can be expensive. Higher salaries, agency fees, advertising, and onboarding all add up. Apprenticeships offer a more cost-effective alternative.
According to the UK Government’s Apprenticeships Evaluation 2023 report, 78% of employers said apprenticeships improved productivity, and 65% reported lower recruitment costs.
Apprentices begin contributing value early in their training while learning systems and standards from the ground up. Over time, that leads to employees who are more aligned with company goals and more likely to stay.
Apprentices often become some of the most motivated and reliable members of a team.
They bring energy and curiosity, while experienced colleagues gain leadership experience through mentoring. This exchange of knowledge lifts morale and productivity across the business.
Data from the Department for Education shows that 92% of apprentices remain in employment after completing their program, and most stay with the same employer. In an industry where turnover can be costly, that loyalty delivers a clear return.
Businesses that invest in apprenticeships are not just filling today’s vacancies. They are building for the future.
With technology advancing so quickly, growing talent internally helps companies stay steady through change. It reduces dependence on outside recruitment and keeps valuable skills in-house.
That stability builds resilience when the market shifts.
A Stronger Employer Brand
A business that invests in training sends a clear message that people matter. That reputation attracts stronger candidates, not only for apprenticeship roles but across the organisation. It also enhances how customers and partners see the brand.
A More Connected Team
Apprenticeships create a sense of shared purpose. Experienced staff have the chance to mentor and pass on their skills. New entrants bring curiosity and fresh ideas.
This mix encourages collaboration and trust. When people feel supported and valued, they perform better and stay longer.
Fresh Thinking and Innovation
Many apprentices are digital natives who are comfortable with technology and quick to spot new ways of working.
When that mindset combines with the experience of senior technicians, innovation follows naturally. Whether it is improving diagnostic processes, streamlining workflow, or finding better ways to communicate with customers, apprentices can contribute from the start.
Of the UK’s automotive technician workforce is currently qualified to work on electric vehicles, meaning 76% are not yet EV-trained.
Estimated 17,000 current vacancies across the motor trades in the UK, with demand for vehicle technicians rising 4% quarter-on-quarter in early 2025
Apprenticeships deliver a clear return for automotive employers, both in measurable outcomes and in the strength of their people.
They reduce costs, improve productivity, and strengthen teams. They help businesses stay competitive in a fast-changing industry.
For companies willing to invest in people, apprenticeships do not drain resources. They build them.
The technician shortage is not a short-term problem, but the solution is already within reach. By investing in apprenticeships and upskilling, employers can strengthen their teams, attract new talent, and prepare for the technology shaping the future of transport.
We’re helping businesses across the UK build the next generation of skilled technicians, from early learners to experienced specialists.