This National Intern Week, Autotech Academy is highlighting how its unique internship initiative is creating a new employment pathway for newly qualified automotive students, while helping the industry tackle its most pressing challenge: the skills shortage.
Closing the gap
The UK automotive sector contributes £46.8 billion in GVA and supports over 552,000 jobs yet faces a critical shortfall in skilled labour. According to a recent SMMT report, 78% of workshops expect significant numbers of their most experienced staff to retire within the next four years, creating a looming gap in leadership and technical expertise.
At the same time, fewer than one in 20 businesses report being vacancy-free, clear evidence of a sector under strain. Yet despite this demand, thousands of Level 2 and 3 automotive students qualify every year, only to find doors closed to them because they lack workplace experience. Too often, these newly qualified technicians are forced to seek employment in other industries, resulting in a serious drain of talent at a time when the automotive sector can least afford it.
Autotech Academy was created to bridge this gap, creating a direct link between colleges and employers. Interns are provided with a full tool kit, uniform, and 6-12 months of paid, hands-on experience tailored to an employer needs.
Proven results
Since its launch in 2021, Autotech Academy has:
- Placed over 400 interns into the automotive industry.
- Achieved a 90% transition rate, with interns who successfully complete their internship moving into permanent roles.
- Generated candidates from over 201 colleges and placed candidates from 132 separate colleges
This track record demonstrates that the internship model is not only supporting young people but also delivering long-term recruitment solutions for employers.
A unique, risk-free model for employers
Unlike apprenticeships, Autotech Academy interns are already qualified to Level 2 or Level 3. They arrive fully equipped with a toolkit and branded uniform, ready to contribute from day one. Working full time, with no college day release, they can immediately add value to workshop productivity while continuing to build their confidence and skills.
For employers – from national groups like Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Toyota and Renault, to fast-fit operators such as Halfords – the internship model offers a genuine “try before you buy” opportunity. Interns are carefully pre-vetted and matched to business needs, supported throughout their placement, and mentored on the job. At the end of the 6–12 month internship, the employer can decide whether to offer a permanent contract. Crucially, this comes with no recruitment fees – making it a low-risk, high-reward solution that allows businesses to assess an intern’s ability, cultural fit, and long-term potential before committing.
Success stories from the workshop floor
While the statistics speak for themselves, the real impact is seen in the stories of interns including:
Cameron Bell – Service Technician, Stoneacre Motor Group
After qualifying in 2019 with a Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Cameron struggled to find an automotive employer willing to give him a chance, working outside the trade for three years before spotting an Autotech Academy internship with Stoneacre Toyota. Today, he’s thriving as a Service Technician, working on fast-paced express maintenance and gaining diagnostic experience. “The internship gave me a full tool kit, which I got to keep, and that made a huge difference,” Cameron says. “This industry isn’t standing still – it’s changing fast. Internships like this are the way forward.”
Clio Perry – Autotech Academy Intern, Yeomans Nissan Basingstoke
Clio, 19, studied Motorsport Maintenance but found it hard to secure her first role, facing extra barriers as a young woman entering the trade. Through Autotech Academy, she joined Yeomans Nissan as a paid intern, quickly moving from basic servicing to major repair jobs. “It’s all about your attitude,” Clio reflects. “With the right support, you can build confidence and succeed.” Her manager Doug adds: “Clio proves that talent has nothing to do with gender. She’s already making great progress and is exactly the kind of technician this industry needs.”
Ahmed Mahamud – Vehicle Technician, Jaguar Land Rover
Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover in Northwest London welcomed Ahmed Mahamud, a Level 3 graduate, through Autotech Academy. Starting as an intern in June 2023, he is now employed as a full-time technician. Reflecting on his journey, Ahmed said: “Every day I come in and face a problem, but I am learning, and this is boosting my self-esteem. It’s pushing me forward.” The structured mentorship allowed him to shadow senior technicians before progressing quickly to more complex work.
For Ahmed, the internship bridged the gap between college and career: “The support from both Autotech Academy and JLR has been pivotal. I’ve gone from classroom learning to real-world problem solving, and it’s given me the confidence to see this as a long-term career.” For JLR, the internship offered a low-risk way to assess and nurture new talent — and for Ahmed, it became the launchpad to a permanent role and a clear career path.
Building a sustainable pipeline
The transition to electric vehicles and advanced diagnostics demands a workforce that is not only technically skilled but digitally fluent. Autotech Academy is helping ensure the next generation of technicians is ready to meet this challenge, while offering employers a scalable, sustainable recruitment route.
As the industry looks to the future, the message this National Intern Week is clear: investing in internships today is securing the workforce of tomorrow.
For more information visit www.autotechacademy.co.uk
