The scale and pace of automotive transformation demands an influx of new skills. Upskilling, reskilling, cross-skilling and bringing fresh talent into the workforce are major undertakings for the whole industry. So it was hugely inspiring to kick off National Apprenticeship Week 2025 with SMMT’s annual Automotive Apprentice Showcase at Portcullis House, part of the Parliamentary Estate. We were delighted to welcome a range of SMMT members and their outstanding apprentices, alongside two dozen parliamentarians including Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills and Matt Western MP, Chair of the All-Parliamentary Party Automotive and EV Groups.
The reception gave young people and their employers the chance to share experiences and achievements, but also the support they need to succeed. Indeed, considering how industry and government can provide the right support to apprentices is timely, given automotive apprenticeship numbers are set to grow by up to 16% this academic year – with more than 740 roles currently available – while skills needs are rapidly changing.
Some automotive apprenticeship roles today did not exist a few years ago and, as job specifications change in line with industry innovation, apprentice training must keep up the pace. The launch of Skills England and the new Growth & Skills Levy are key opportunities to improve the contemporariness of course provision. They can also ensure businesses of all sizes are supported to recruit and upskill more.
It’s an exciting time to be an apprentice and SMMT has launched a new competition in partnership with the British Motor Museum to give four apprentices the chance to drive a 1904 Thornycroft Tourer in the world’s longest running motor race, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The initiative provides a tangible connection between industry’s storied history and our dynamic future, evolving from early petrol engines to today’s cutting-edge zero emission vehicles. We would encourage all apprentices to apply – and employers to support them – as the Run is fabulous event that is open to very few, given the vintage age that motors must be.
Promoting our industry and the importance of STEM subjects is also essential at primary and secondary school level, to encourage students from all backgrounds to consider an automotive career. An initiative already doing great work in this area is the Greenpower Education Trust, engaging students to design, build and race cars in competition, with a packed 2025 calendar of regional races, industry engagement days and the prestigious Greenpower Grand Finals. I would encourage businesses to get involved as, just as growth is our mission, we need young people to grow with us.
