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The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has welcomed new research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing that workshops are investing heavily in training and equipment to service modern vehicles. However, the IMI has warned that the skills gap – particularly around electric vehicles (EVs) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – remains a critical challenge if the UK is to deliver on road safety and net-zero ambitions.
The SMMT’s latest Aftermarket Report found that more than 80% of workshops have already invested in EV and ADAS servicing capability, with many planning to boost spending over the next year. While this demonstrates strong industry commitment, IMI data suggests the workforce is still lagging behind the speed of technological change.
According to the IMI, just 28% of UK technicians currently hold an EV qualification – progress, but not enough to meet demand, which could outstrip supply by more than 25,000 trained staff by 2035. The gap is even greater for ADAS. Despite 77.6% of workshops reporting the capability to service these systems, only 3% of technicians are formally qualified, amounting to fewer than 8,000 individuals. With ADAS now fitted to eight in ten new cars, the IMI estimates the UK will need more than 96,000 qualified ADAS technicians by 2032 to keep up.
Nick Connor, IMI Chief Executive, said:
“It’s encouraging to see workshops investing, but our data clearly shows the pace of upskilling is falling short of future needs. The automotive workforce is the backbone of safe, sustainable mobility, and without the right qualifications, we risk compromising safety, undermining consumer confidence, and slowing the shift to greener vehicles.”
The IMI is urging government and industry to unlock unused apprenticeship levy funds and provide targeted support for smaller, independent garages, many of which face steep costs for staff training and new tooling. IMI’s TechSafe standards, alongside nationally recognised EV and ADAS qualifications, already provide a robust framework to help businesses demonstrate competence and keep technicians, employers and consumers safe.
“The aftermarket is making the right moves,” Connor added, “but to bridge the skills gap, investment in people is just as important as investment in technology. The IMI will continue to lead the charge in ensuring the workforce is ready for the vehicles of today and tomorrow.”
