Apprenticeships have long been a cornerstone of the motor industry, offering a pathway to develop the next generation of skilled professionals whilst providing businesses with a sustainable pipeline of talent.
However, with the UK’s automotive sector undergoing significant changes over recent years, such as facing the rise of electric vehicles and an increased reliance on advanced technology, apprenticeships are more important than ever.
National Apprenticeship Week takes place between February 10th and 14th 2025, highlighting the vital role that apprentices play in shaping the future of industries like ours, and the opportunities they offer to individuals and employers alike.
Join us as we take a closer look and uncover why apprenticeships are vital in driving the motor industry forward.
The Role of National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the value of apprenticeships, encouraging individuals and businesses to consider the opportunities they present, and the 2025 theme of “future ready,” is particularly relevant to the motor industry where technology is evolving at an unprecedented speed.
In support of this week long campaign, manufacturers, dealerships and repair networks across the UK are joining forces with training providers to promote apprenticeships, and large employers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan have also established award-winning apprenticeship schemes aimed at providing young people with opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology whilst also contributing to their local communities.
From our perspective at GT Motive, we could not agree with more with this initiative, and we recognise that the importance of investing in young talent not only benefits individual businesses, but also strengthens the entire automotive ecosystem, ensuring a consistent supply of skilled professionals to support future growth and innovation.
UK Apprenticeships in Numbers
Latest data from the UK Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (SMMT) underscores the importance of apprenticeships in the UK, with statistics including:
- The UK Government has committed to creating 3 million apprenticeships by 2030, with a significant focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, including roles in the motor industry
- Apprenticeships deliver an average return of £28 for every £1 invested by the government, demonstrating their economic value
- Apprenticeships save employers an average of £2,000 per employee annually, due to reduced recruitment costs and increased productivity
- Young people benefit directly too, as the average apprentice earns £23,000 upon completion, with 90% of apprentices staying in employment after their training, and 67% remaining with the same employer
- In 2023, over 349,000 people started apprenticeships in England, with a sizeable proportion joining engineering and manufacturing sectors, including the motor industry
- However, to keep pace with technological and environmental changes, the motor industry needs 160,000 new workers by 2031
- And currently, the motor industry only supports 10% of all UK apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing
What’s more, data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) also stresses that the motor industry is facing a growing shortfall of skilled technicians, with an estimated 35,000 required by 2030 to meet the needs of electric vehicle (EV) servicing and maintenance specifically.
In fact, a report by City & Guilds found that 43% of UK employers struggled to recruit skilled workers throughout 2023, with the motor industry highlighted as one of the sectors most affected.
Why Apprenticeships Matter to The Motor Industry
With the rapid pace of technological change, there is growing demand for workers with expertise in electric vehicles, advanced diagnostics, and digital tools, and for the motor industry, apprenticeships ensure that young people are trained in the latest technologies and processes, helping businesses to stay competitive in an evolving market.
In fact, research from the UK Government directly states that 78% of employers in the motor industry said apprenticeships help them fill skills gaps in their workforce, whilst 86% report improved productivity after hiring apprentices. These are some critical numbers, as the motor industry relies on a diverse range of skills such as mechanics, engineers, technicians, and sales professionals.
But apprenticeships also provide an opportunity for individuals to gain practical, on-the-job experience whilst studying for recognised qualifications too, offering a balance of work and learning in an industry where staying up to date with new technologies is non-negotiable.
This is not going to change any time soon, especially with the UK aiming to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035. During this transition period, apprenticeships will play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for the electric future, and training schemes tailored to electric and hybrid vehicles are slowly becoming more accessible today in an effort to ensure apprentices are equipped with the right skills to handle battery technology, charging infrastructure and complex vehicle diagnostics, all of which are essential as the sector shifts towards sustainability.
Driving Diversity and Inclusion
Apprenticeships are also instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the motor industry, helping to challenge outdated perceptions and open doors for underrepresented groups. For example, the IMI are working to encourage more women to enter the sector, addressing the fact that only 10% of automotive jobs in the UK are held by women, and other initiatives have been launched with an aim of providing opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As a result, businesses can nurture talent that might otherwise be overlooked, contributing to a workforce that reflects the diversity of their customer base by offering apprenticeships to the next generation of motor industry experts.
Supporting Apprentices in The Motor Industry
As a provider of cutting-edge technology solutions to the motor industry, our team at GT Motive completely understands the importance of skilled, adaptable workers who can embrace innovation. From accurate parts pricing to advanced estimating tools, our solutions are only as effective as the professionals using them, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that prepare the next generation for success.
To us, apprenticeships align perfectly with our mission at GT Motive to enhance efficiency and drive excellence across the motor industry, and by working with training providers and engaging with National Apprenticeship Week, we aim to champion the role of young professionals in ensuring a bright future for the sector.