The latest IMI Vacancy Tracker has sparked discussion across the automotive sector, with headlines focusing on a reduction in vacancies compared with previous years. However, Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, believes the detail behind the figures tells a much more important story.
According to data within the IMI’s May 2026 Vacancy Tracker, overall vacancies across the automotive sector have fallen, yet demand for technical and workshop-based roles remains strong. Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians account for 72% of all job postings, while recruitment activity within these technical roles has increased by 17% compared with the same period last year.
For Simon, this demonstrates that the industry’s workforce challenge is changing rather than disappearing: “At first glance, some may see falling vacancy numbers as a sign that the skills shortage is easing, but the reality is far more nuanced,” he explained.
“The latest IMI data shows employers are becoming more selective about where they recruit, while continuing to prioritise the technical skills required to keep workshops productive and profitable. Demand for skilled technicians, diagnostics expertise and specialist capability remains strong.”
While economic pressures and changing consumer purchasing habits may be reducing demand for some customer-facing roles, the need for workshop capacity remains high. An ageing vehicle parc, increasing vehicle complexity and growing demand for maintenance continue to place pressure on businesses across the sector.
“The challenge facing employers today isn’t simply recruitment,” continues Simon. “It’s how they find, develop, support and retain the skilled people they need both now and in the future.
“Too often, recruitment, training, retention and productivity are treated as separate conversations when in reality they’re all interconnected. A workforce gap doesn’t simply create a hiring issue. It impacts workshop throughput, customer experience, technician wellbeing and ultimately profitability.”
He believes the most resilient automotive businesses will be those that take a broader approach to workforce planning.
Simon also believes the industry must continue investing in future talent pipelines to address long-term workforce pressures: “While employers continue to compete for experienced technicians, the industry cannot afford to lose sight of attracting and developing the next generation. Creating clear pathways into automotive careers will be just as important as supporting the existing workforce if the sector is to build sustainable long-term capability.”
“Filling vacancies remains important, but recruitment alone won’t solve the industry’s workforce challenge. Businesses also need to invest in skills development, create environments where technicians want to build long-term careers and embrace technologies that help existing teams work more efficiently.
“The businesses that will thrive over the next decade are the ones that balance people, skills and technology together rather than treating them as separate challenges.”
Through its dedicated brands, Autotech Group supports businesses across the automotive sector through specialist recruitment, technical training, early careers programmes and connected technology solutions, helping workshops build sustainable workforce strategies that improve operational performance and support long-term growth.
