Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, has issued a warning about a skills gap “timebomb” in the UK’s automotive sector.
- The skills gap is described as an “artificial straitjacket”, stifling market potential and increasing costs for UK motorists.
- GSF Car Parts has heavily invested in its infrastructure to support growth, emphasising the need for skilled technicians.
- The skills shortage is threatening the UK’s ability to compete globally, particularly with the shift to electric vehicles.
- Urgent action is requested to establish the automotive sector as a viable career path for young people.
Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, has voiced significant concerns about the impending skills gap within the UK’s automotive sector, which he referred to as a “timebomb” that could have severe implications if not addressed promptly. Horne’s remarks come as the UK stands on the precipice of a major industry event, aiming to raise awareness of these crucial issues to the public and policymakers alike. Horne argues that the skills gap acts as an “artificial straitjacket,” hindering the growth potential of UK independent garages and leading to higher expenses for car owners.
GSF Car Parts, a leading distributor with a stronghold of 185 branches and over 3,000 employees, is in the midst of a strategic expansion, marked by its significant investment in a new distribution centre in Wolverhampton. This move underscores its commitment to scaling operations and fostering growth. However, the development’s success is heavily reliant on the availability of qualified technicians, a factor currently in short supply, posing a critical challenge to the sector’s progress.
Horne highlighted that the skills gap, if left untreated, could erode consumer choices and competition, driving up motoring costs amid the transition to an electric vehicle era. This sentiment aligns with the preparations for the TechFest Garage Technology Festival, where industry leaders will converge to discuss innovations and strategies to invigorate independent garages.
In addition to GSF’s efforts, industry voices such as Ambi Singh, CEO of Easy2Recruit, have echoed the urgency of this predicament, highlighting the risk it poses to the UK’s automotive sector on a global scale. Singh noted a forecast from the Institute of the Motor Industry predicting a shortage of 160,000 workers within the decade, notably in vehicle technician roles. The vacancy rate in the trade is at its highest in over two decades, presenting a stark challenge when juxtaposed with the industry’s rapid evolution.
To combat this crisis, Singh has taken proactive measures by appealing to the Home Secretary to include vehicle technicians, mechanics, and electricians on the Shortage Occupation List. This move would facilitate access to the international talent pool, thereby ensuring sustainable sector growth and continued innovation as the industry shifts towards sustainable practices.
Collective efforts from industry leaders and governmental bodies are essential to address the skills gap threatening the UK’s automotive sector.
