By 2032, nearly one in five vehicle technicians will retire, creating a looming retirement wave that threatens to deepen the UK automotive aftermarket’s skills gap. With over 17,000 vacancies already unfilled, the need for fresh talent has never been greater. The good news is that a new generation of qualified students is ready to step in.
More than 1,000 freshly qualified students are already registered with Autotech Academy, eager to take on paid internships that will give them their first break in the industry. Branded the “New Kids on the Block,” they represent a major opportunity for automotive employers to bring in motivated young people who can help bridge the gap between today’s workforce and the industry’s rapidly evolving future.
Autotech Academy’s 6–12 month paid internship programme has already placed hundreds of students into workshops across the UK. Each intern receives a full tool kit, which is theirs to keep if they complete the internship and uniform, while employers benefit from pre-screened candidates who are ready to contribute from day one.
For employers, this is an opportunity to grow their own talent in a structured, supported way, while avoiding many of the recruitment challenges that traditionally make hiring difficult. It’s a genuine “try before you buy” model – giving employers the chance to see a young technician’s potential in action before committing to a permanent hire. With over 95% of those who successfully complete their internship moving into full-time roles, the success rate speaks for itself.
“The next generation is ready to work – but they need that first opportunity,” comments Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group. “Our internship programme removes the barriers, takes the pain out of recruiting, and gives employers access to a pipeline of talent that will help close the skills gap.”
New Kids on the Block: Success in Action
From Labouring to the Workshop – Cameron’s Breakthrough
After qualifying in 2019, Cameron Bell, 23, from County Durham, spent three years working outside the trade because no workshop would hire him without experience. Through Autotech Academy, he secured an internship with Stoneacre Toyota Gateshead and is now a Service Technician. “The internship gave me the opportunity, the experience, and even the tool kit I needed to succeed,” comments Cameron.
Clio Smashes Barriers and Builds Confidence on the Job
At just 19, Clio Perry joined Yeomans Nissan Basingstoke through an Autotech Academy internship placement after struggling to find her first role post-college. Today she works alongside mentors on increasingly complex jobs – from services to full engine removals. “With the right support, you can achieve anything,” Clio said. Her manager Doug added: “Clio proves that talent has nothing to do with gender – she’s progressing fast and adding value every day.”
Ahmed’s Journey from College Leaver to Full Technician in One Year
For Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover North West London, taking on Ahmed Mahamud has already paid off. One year after arriving “raw from college,” Ahmed is now a permanent technician. “He’s gone from a student to a fully-fledged vehicle technician in the space of a year,” said Senior Tech Controller Anthony Farron. “Other businesses need to give young people like Ahmed a chance.”
Ronan’s Internship Proves a Fast-Track to Permanent Success
At Renault Watford, Ronan Cardozo quickly impressed during his Academy placement. Working with a Master Technician mentor, he developed rapidly and is now a permanent Renault technician. Aftersales Manager Robert Coleman comments: “The usual recruitment barriers are taken away. My only advice to other employers considering taking on a newly qualified vehicle technician? Just do it.”
A Call to Action
With the skills gap widening, employers can no longer afford to overlook qualified college leavers. Autotech Academy’s 1,000+ registered students are proof that the talent is out there – eager, equipped, and ready to learn.
The challenge now is for workshops, dealer groups, and independent garages to open the door. By embracing the internship model, employers can grow their own talent, giving young people the structured first step they need while ensuring businesses can future-proof their workforce.
The benefits are clear. Employers gain motivated, pre-vetted candidates who are already technically trained and ready to contribute. The internship period acts as a “try before you buy” opportunity, allowing employers to assess ability, attitude, and cultural fit before making a permanent hire. For the students, it’s a chance to prove themselves in a supportive, real-world environment. With more than 95% of those completing internships securing full-time positions, the model is working.
By tapping into this pool of talent, businesses won’t just fill current vacancies – they will build a pipeline of skilled technicians who can keep pace with the rapid evolution of electric vehicles, ADAS systems, and connected car technologies. Most importantly, they will be safeguarding the long-term future of the UK automotive industry.
The next generation is here, ready and waiting. The only question is whether employers are ready to give them the chance.
For more information visit www.autotechacademy.co.uk
