An interesting article published by The IMI (The Institute of the Motor Industry), this month, shows the Automotive Sector has the second highest vacancy rates across all sectors in the UK with 1 in every 100 vacancies unfilled. This is only behind Accommodation and Food Services sector which was so impacted by Brexit and Covid.
Automotive is experiencing the highest vacancy rates in 21 years.
We fully support and encourage recruitment to the Bosch Apprenticeship Scheme to try and bridge the gap, where young people are not coming into the industry. We currently have another candidate on the Scheme at present.
He reached the final 30 which is an impressive performance.
The UK has 42,400 technicians qualified and trained to work on electric vehicles – just 18% of the total workforce.
We are proud that we have three technicians qualified to diagnose, repair, service and maintain electric vehicles at Broadstairs MOT Centre. We are also a member of Bosch Car Service Network EV Concept and HEVRA (Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance).
In regards to ADAS qualifications (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), by the end of 2022 there were just 3,000 qualified ADAS technicians. By 2024, it is predicted the UK will need 39,000 qualified techs.
We have two qualified ADAS technicians at Broadstairs MOT Centre.
Industry predicts that there will be an increase in demand for technicians with data-related skills – approx 5,400 by 2024.
We are committed to training and evolving our technicians and business. In the first six months of 2024, we have two technicians booked to attend 13 in-person courses between them – covering a variety of Bosch, IMI Accredited training programmes, including:
* Vehicle Networking Systems
* Emissions Analysis
* Advanced Engine Management
*Airbag and Supplementary Systems
* Direct Injection Systems etc
There are also three online courses currently booked.
Our Senior Tech has also completed an online Tesla training course this year.
In 2023, staff attended 14 courses, eight online courses and we upskilled another technician to a qualified MOT tester.
We also invested in a bespoke ramp, and Hofmann Sphere 3D Four-wheel Alignment tool, which boasts the latest technology.
As a local business this is significant investment in training and necessary tooling to provide staff and customers with the relevant skills and confidence to undertake all manner of works.
We pride ourselves on being a family-run business and member of the Bosch Car Service Network that continues to invest and learn; and teach.
Broadstairs MOT Centre is so much more than MOTs!
(Source: IMI Driving Auto Forwards. Jan 2024)