Aftermarket September 2022

Above: Mechanics often ignore the warning signs M any industries are currently facing skills shortages. A lack of staff in airports made headlines through the summer, and the travel sector was not alone. The impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt as businesses in many areas find that attracting and retaining staff has become more difficult. The automotive sector in general, and garages in the aftermarket in particular, have been running with a skills shortage for years now. This is being exacerbated by the growth of EVs, as the rate at which technicians are getting trained to work on these vehicles is not keeping up with the growth in sales. By 2030 the IMI has estimated there may be a 25,100 shortfall of qualified technicians. It is predicted that this shortfall could manifest by 2028, as a result of EV sales continuing to climb. Positively, 11% of technicians were EV qualified at the end of December 2021, and by the end of March 2022 this had risen to 13%, representing more than 28,000 technicians. “It’s a real sign that the sector is responding to the increasing adoption of EV motoring,” noted IMI CEO Steve Nash. “The rise in the Quarter 1 has already had a meaningful impact on the predicted shortfall of technicians. Based on SMMT EV sales forecasts, the shortfall between EVs on the UK’s roads and approved technicians is now likely to be felt 24 months later than we were predicting last year. What’s more, early indications are that figures for Quarter 2 will set another new record, which is great news for the industry and for the increasing number of EV drivers.” Pressures While this is good news, it makes it more important than ever for businesses to look after the staff they have. That means making sure they are keeping up with training, but also taking care of themselves in terms of health. Working in a garage can be very physically demanding, and it has always been the case that mechanics will lift too much, risking damaging their backs and muscles. The use of gloves is recommended in many cases, particularly when working with compounds that can damage the skin. They often do not wear them though, and later develop skin problems. This is not unique to those working in the garage sector. However, in an industry where staff shortages are the norm, you would think that businesses would do all they can to make sure their most prized equipment, their people, remain in good working order. For a business, promoting a pro-active attitude towards health issues among staff will mean your people, in whom much time and money may have been invested, are able to continue offering their time and their skills. Health issues Making sure staff take health seriously does not just apply to occupational health issues either. The recent tragic death at the age of 40 of the broadcaster Dame Deborah James, 8 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2022 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net RUNNING ON EMPTY? Mechanics tend not to take care of their health, but a recent high-profile case has thrown the spotlight on the need to act on any warning signs