February 2022

is broke, we don’t generally replace it, we fix it. The same cannot be said for other products within people’s busy lives. But it is within this society that challenges often arise. How often do we struggle to communicate the importance of vehicle servicing, why something needs doing, while facing the wrath of a customer for a bill no larger than their monthly gym membership? “It often becomes a thankless task and we take the hits, and our Google reviews, personally. This then reflects on our promotion of the trade to others. We love the trade we are in, but we are not quite so ready to encourage others to join it.” Open up What to do about it though? Mark observed: “This is an internal struggle we all have to get past, for a career in the automotive aftermarket can be as wholesome and widespread as you want to make it. It is IAAF’s intention to get closer to garages, but also to the schools and colleges studying our trade. With our expertise in the supply of parts, IAAF wants to open up the industry so that technicians and aftermarket personnel of the future can see what they are part of; A rich supply chain that works extremely well, and offers market-leading customer support and service. By doing so, we have a greater opportunity of retaining people and attracting new talent.” Mark concluded: “The possibilities and opportunities in our sector are endless and IAAF is excited about the wider promotion of our trade, in a bid to attract new talent and new ideas.” Misconception Autotech Group CEO Gavin White observed: “Tagged with the skills shortage label for years, the automotive industry is reaching a critical stage, with demand for skilled vehicle technicians at an all-time high. The situation has been exacerbated by the arrival of increasingly complex vehicle technology and electric and hybrid cars. Technicians, currently working within the industry, need continuous training in order to repair and service this new breed of vehicles and garage owners are now having to put training at the top of their agendas in order to retain staff and meet customer demand. “ There is more to it than just new tech though. Gavin observed: “The root of the shortage crisis can be traced back to the industry not recruiting enough apprentices for many years. Simply put, there are more people retiring from the sector than there are entering it. “There is also a misconception of what working in the automotive industry is really like. Essentially, it demands digital skills. To be a vehicle technician today is no longer a case of changing oil and performing minor repairs. It’s a highly precise trade and skilled technicians have the ability to diagnose and repair the most complex of problems while understanding the mechanical theory behind each automotive system, the computer controlling them, and the electronic network that links it all together. “In a bid to harness the next generation of talent, work is being done to ensure a career as a vehicle technician is an attractive and viable option and there are young people embarking upon automotive college courses. However, each year, up to 10,000 of these students are not making the transition into full-time automotive employment because they struggle to secure a position once qualified. This is a significant loss to a sector already blighted by a lack of skills.” More on this in a moment. Factors Why is the sector letting these young people slip away? Gavin observed: “The industry’s inability to retain these college leavers is down to a number of factors. Firstly, a lack of time from a garage owner’s perspective. Running a business which is already struggling under the weight of a lack of resources can be detrimental to employing, and dedicating time to, a young technician who lacks experience. However, newly qualified technicians hold the most up-to-date theoretical knowledge and are ready to hit the ground running. Within a matter of months, a garage could have a grow-your-own, brand-loyal employee. Unlike an apprentice, they don’t need day release to attend college. This means they can make an immediate impact on the workload. 10 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2022 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net “Secondly, pay. The general pay scales across the sector regardless of skill, position, or job title, are low and a major hurdle to overcome, especially as a college leaver could earn more stacking shelves in a supermarket. There is movement being made with regards to pay though. Those garages who have adopted a higher pay structure are already reaping the rewards by employing the best available talent. Now, more than ever, it is vital that qualified technicians entering the industry are offered a good starting salary.“ He added: “The industry needs to safeguard its future. While training current talent is vital, automotive employers also need to look at new recruitment options to sustain them over the long term. This includes giving these young, newly qualified college leavers an opportunity to get their foot on the ladder.” The root of the crisis can be traced back to the industry not recruiting enough apprentices for many years ”