Workforce of the future
A Net Zero workforce that develops future domestic talent, retains and upskills its people, and attracts global talent and expertise.
People are at the very heart of the UK automotive industry, with almost 200,000 highly skilled, high value jobs supported directly in manufacturing and some 800,000 in total across the wider sector – jobs in every region of the country.
With automotive production shifting dramatically to deliver a technological transformation over the next decade, the industry needs a new generation of engineers, designers, programmers, chemists, fabricators and many other skills. A laser sharp focus on attracting new talent and up- and re-skilling the existing workforce is key.
Attracting, developing and retaining the very best people is, therefore, a top priority, and putting the right policies and measures in place is crucial. Apprenticeship Levy reform to support upskilling of existing workers in priority areas, elevating STEM in schools, and promoting automotive and manufacturing as life-long career opportunities early on in education, as well as ensuring the ability to attract international talent, will help to futureproof a highly skilled workforce, empowered to contribute to economic growth in all parts of the country.
Workforce of the future
With some 800,000 people employed across the UK automotive industry, including more than 180,000 directly in manufacturing, people are at the very heart of the UK automotive industry. That’s why employers have invested billions of pounds to recruit, retrain and upskill the workforce to deliver Britain’s transition to zero emission and self-driving vehicles.
Attracting, developing and retaining the very best talent is a top priority for the industry, therefore, and skilled workers have never been in greater demand.
For new and existing recruits alike, automotive provides a plethora of opportunities to develop new skills a long-term career, from design and fashion to engineering manufacturing, business management and marketing to legal services and corporate social responsibility.
Automotive Careers Guide
A career in the UK automotive industry has never been more exciting – and skilled workers have never been in greater demand – as the sector continues to revolutionise road transport, with zero emission, connected and automated vehicles.
Published in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Automotive Careers Guide provides insight into the full breadth of UK automotive sectors and their employers, from the drawing board to the garage and everything in between – plus advice on job finding, apprenticeships, interview techniques and scholarship and bursary opportunities.
A one-stop shop for discovering your future career in our exciting industry, the guide covers all you need to know, including:
- Manufacturing, design, aerodynamics and engineering
- Accounting and finance
- Product development and computer-aided engineering
- Business management, administration, human resource and legal services
- Fashion, practicality in design, fabrics and aesthetics
- Community, charity and corporate social responsibility
- Information technology including hardware, software and system engineering
- Communications, marketing, sales and public relations
Apprenticeships are vital to UK Automotive manufacturing, helping young people to take up careers in the industry and providing a critical talent pipeline. This is crucial not only to address skills shortages but also ensure that a flexible, highly skilled and productive workforce is maintained for years to come.
Industry must reflect the society and economy it serves, which means diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce – and the workplace – is crucial. UK automotive employers have made significant commitments to achieve that ambition, individually and via industry initiatives – with automotive being the first industry in Britain to collectively pledge to improve diversity and inclusion.
Automotive Insights
Vision 2035 – Ready to Grow
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is calling on the next government to work in partnership with the automotive industry to unleash its full potential and deliver growth worth £50…
UK Automotive commits to workforce diversity and inclusion with landmark industry Charter
SMMT recognised as one of Britain’s top workplaces with Investors in People Gold award
apply to join
SMMT’s comprehensive membership base covers every aspect of the automotive industry, from vehicles to components, trailers to aftermarket; and from large global corporations to small and medium enterprises. The scope of interest of our members also varies dramatically, ranging from direct, partial or indirect involvement in the manufacturing of vehicles and components, to design engineering and distribution, and a variety of other services aligned to the industry.
Get in touch to find out how to join SMMT.
If you are already a part of an organisation that has an SMMT membership, click here to register your account.
Find out how your company can become a member of SMMT.
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