Finding new talent in the automotive industry continues to be a challenge for time-pressed automotive employers and workshop managers. According to the Institute of the Motor Industry’s Automotive Labour Market Briefing, in May 2025 there were 17,000 estimated vacancies across the industry in the UK and vehicle technician demand rose 4% quarter-on-quarter.
As demand continues to rise, skills shortages are increasingly squeezing workshops and businesses, leaving many struggling to find qualified technicians quickly.
Meanwhile, there is also a new generation of recently qualified automotive professionals emerging who are motivated, trained and ready to launch their careers. However, many of these individuals encounter barriers when trying to enter the workforce, often due to a lack of clear entry routes, industry contacts, or opportunities to gain meaningful hands-on experience.
This disconnect between supply of available talent and time poor employers can lead to delays in recruitment and missed opportunities on both sides.
That’s where Autotech Academy comes in. Purpose-built to help solve these industry challenges, Autotech Academy acts as a direct bridge between education and employment. Its paid internship initiative is specifically designed to ease the transition from college to career. For employers, this means removing much of the hassle and admin from the recruitment process, while gaining access to pre-vetted, work-ready talent who are keen to contribute and grow within the industry.
It’s a time-saving, risk-free solution that brings motivated individuals directly into an automotive business – trained and eager to get started.
Here’s how the process works from an employer’s perspective.
Step 1: Understanding the Employer’s Needs
The journey begins with a quick but comprehensive consultation. Autotech Academy’s team takes time to understand the specific needs of each employer, whether they are a franchised dealership, independent garage, or fleet operator. What kind of role needs to be filled? What technical skills would be most beneficial? What is the ideal start date?
This stage also involves identifying a mentor within the business – typically a master technician or experienced team member – who can guide and support the intern on a day-to-day basis. This mentorship is vital to helping the intern grow in confidence and capability.
Step 2: Candidate Search
Once the brief is agreed, the real work begins behind the scenes. Autotech Academy taps into its national database of pre-vetted, newly qualified candidates to identify the most suitable individuals in the local area.
To expand the candidate pool, roles are also promoted via external advertising platforms such as job boards and Indeed, ensuring a comprehensive search for the right match. This holistic approach ensures the widest possible reach, giving Autotech Academy the largest scope to find newly qualified interns who meet the employer’s specific requirements.
Step 3: Presenting the best candidates
Employers are not burdened with sifting through countless CVs. The Autotech Academy team carefully screens all applicants and presents only a shortlist of candidates who meet the defined criteria, both in terms of technical qualifications and work attitude.
This approach saves time and ensures that only the most suitable candidates are presented for consideration.
Step 4: Employer Interviews and Selection
Once the shortlist is delivered, the employer conducts interviews at their convenience. Some prefer a formal interview setting, while others opt for a hands-on, practical approach.
Autotech Academy can assist with the interview process, offering support with scheduling or advice on structuring the conversation. The employer retains full control and makes the final hiring decision.
Step 5: Preparing the Intern for Success
Once a candidate is selected, Autotech Academy ensures everything is in place for a smooth start. Interns are provided with a professional toolkit (theirs to keep if they successfully transition to permanent work at the end of the internship) and branded clothing, arriving fully equipped and ready for their first day on the job.
This level of preparation helps instil confidence in the intern and leaves a positive first impression on both the team and customers.
Step 6: Ongoing Support Throughout the Internship
Support continues well beyond the intern’s first day. The Autotech Academy team conducts regular check-ins with both the employer and the intern to ensure progress is on track.
If any concerns arise – technical, behavioural, or otherwise – the team are ready to provide prompt, effective solutions. Many team members come from automotive backgrounds and understand the realities of both sides of the placement.
Mentorship support is also maintained throughout the internship, helping employers gain maximum value from the intern while promoting their development.
Step 7: The Path Beyond the Internship
Recognising that each business and internship is unique, Autotech Academy offers flexible options to tailor the programme to individual goals. This could involve adjusting the duration, offering additional training, or transitioning the intern into a full-time, permanent position.
In many cases, interns complete their placements and remain as loyal, skilled employees – already integrated into the team and business culture.
A Recruitment Process Designed for Busy Automotive Employers
Autotech Academy eliminates the common pain points of recruitment: no paperwork overload, no wasted time on unsuitable candidates, and no uncertainty about candidate readiness.
Instead, employers gain access to a reliable pipeline of qualified, motivated interns, supported by a hands-on team from beginning to end. Whether the goal is to expand the workforce or mentor the next generation, Autotech Academy ensures the process is simple, effective, and stress-free.
For more information visit www.autotechacademy.co.uk
An internship is an investment in your future. Autotech Academy provides you with the best opportunity to secure your first permanent role in the motor industry through our internship programme for newly qualified vehicle technicians. If you would like to know more about how we can help, be sure to get in touch with our team at hello@autotechacademy.co.uk
