New UK report spotlights critical skills shortage in vehicle repair sector

The UK’s vehicle repair and salvage sector is facing a critical skills shortage that is driving up insurance costs, extending collision repair times and undermining consumer confidence, according to new research from Thatcham Research, which rates every car for safety, security and sustainable repair.

A recent survey of repair and salvage professionals, conducted in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), reveals that 73 per cent identify the widening skills gap as a growing challenge requiring industry-wide action.

The issue has intensified as modern vehicles, particularly electric vehicles (EVs) and those equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), have become significantly more complex to repair.

Thatcham Research data shows that the average cost to repair a vehicle after a collision increased by 50 per cent between 2019 and 2024.

It said that this is driven primarily by technological advancement and the specialist skills required to repair modern vehicles safely and effectively.

Alongside increasing vehicle complexity requiring specialised skills (41 per cent), respondents acknowledged that the skills gap is also influenced by skilled workers being drawn to other industries offering better opportunities (43 per cent) and the impact of an ageing workforce (31 per cent), underscoring the urgency for targeted talent strategies across the sector.

The survey also highlighted clear ways to address the current skills gap. A significant majority of respondents (61 per cent) pointed to the need for greater visibility and promotion of apprenticeships within the education sector, underscoring the importance of inspiring the next generation to pursue automotive careers.

This was followed by 48 per cent who called for increased investment in technical training, reinforcing the need to equip the workforce with the specialised skills required to meet the industry’s evolving demands.