Retail Motor Industry
The Retail Motor Industry includes the selling, renting and repairing of cars and other vehicles.
The recession has had a big impact on car production, with fewer cars being produced. This has resulted in plants cutting production and laying off workers. The motor industry in the UK has declined significantly over the last few decades. Many British companies have now disappeared and one of the biggest plants producing cars in the UK is Toyota.
The need for people with software and electronics skills is increasing, with less demand for mechanical skills.
There is a shortage of staff with managerial and technical skills (particularly on new and specialist technology), as well as more generic skills such as in ICT, customer services, sales, stock management and communication skills.
16 to 18 year olds will be a key target group for recruitment when the recession recedes, and Apprenticeship schemes are expected to grow in importance as a route into the industry.
In the future hybridised cars running on electric and petrol power will be more popular. This will require those involved in the maintenance of vehicles to acquire new skills.
How much could I earn?
Auto Electrician £21,546
Motor Mechanic/Auto Engineer £24,000
Type, Exhaust and Windscreen Fitter £18,413
Vehicle Body Builder/Repairer £23,485
Vehicle Spray Painter £23,643
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
Motor vehicle technology will continue to advance and requires employees to update and improve their skills and knowledge. Training and education will become increasingly important in this industry.
Demand for general IT user skills will increase. This reflects the increasing need for employees to be able to use computerised systems including diagnostic equipment, estimating and other software. The demand for electronic engineers will grow.
Servicing and repair activity in the sector is reportedly showing some signs of a small decline.
There are increasing numbers of lorries and buses on our roads. They all need maintenance and repair. There is a shortage of people interested in training to work on these types of vehicles.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.