Opinion 13 BE PART OF THE MISSION TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY We're a charity built by this industry to bring the next generation of talent into it — supporting apprentices, helping employers take them on, and making automotive repair visible to young people who've never considered it as a career. When you become an AutoRaise member, you're part of that mission. And we'll help you shout about it. Your membership includes: Your AutoRaise Member badge and digital assets for your website, email and social media Ready-made social media templates — post, tag us, and we'll amplify you to our network Full access to the Member Toolkit with modules covering recruitment, funding, onboarding, mentoring, HR and more Access to the AutoRaise member community forum Join the businesses investing in the future of the trade. Membership is just £14.99/month. autoraise.co.uk/membership demonstrate that the people working on them have the appropriate competence and training. That makes qualifications and recognised standards increasingly important from both a business and liability perspective. The growing importance of technician competence is also attracting attention at policy level. In May, the IMI brought together industry leaders, legal experts, fleet operators and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Richard Holden MP to discuss the future of workforce safety in the automotive sector. The panel unanimously concluded that, as vehicles become increasingly reliant on electrification, connectivity, automation and advanced safety systems, there is a growing need for demonstrable, auditable competence across the workforce. Participants called for the government to consider making recognised standards such as IMI TechSafe mandatory across key technology areas, including EVs, ADAS, connected vehicles and alternative fuels. The discussion also highlighted a broader shift taking place across the industry, one which sees competence no longer simply a matter of professional development. Instead, it is increasingly being viewed as a critical element of road safety, consumer confidence and regulatory readiness. Too often, training is viewed as a cost, but the most successful businesses tend to view it differently. IMI TechSafe provides a recognised benchmark that demonstrates technician competence across modern vehicle technologies, including EVs, hybrids, hydrogenpowered vehicles, connected and ADASequipped vehicles. For workshop owners, it delivers several benefits. It provides confidence that technicians can work safely on increasingly complex vehicles. It helps demonstrate that the business is taking reasonable steps to manage risk and meet professional standards. It provides reassurance to customers and insurers. Most importantly, it enables workshops to continue accepting work as the vehicle parc evolves. This is becoming increasingly important because the skills pipeline is not keeping pace with vehicle technology. The IMI estimates that around 74,700 technicians currently hold an EV qualification, representing approximately 35% of the UK’s technician workforce. However, demand is forecast to outstrip supply, with a potential shortfall of more than 43,000 EV-qualified technicians by 2035. For workshops, that presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Businesses that invest early will be better positioned to attract customers, recruit talent and differentiate themselves from competitors. Those who delay may find themselves competing for an increasingly limited pool of qualified technicians. Businesses that invest early will be better positioned to attract customers
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