The UK’s vehicle repair and salvage sector is facing a critical skills shortage, according to Thatcham Research.
This critical skills shortage is driving up insurance costs, extending collision repair times and undermining consumer confidence.
Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research, said: “The automotive repair sector stands at a crossroads. As vehicles become more sophisticated, the gap between the skills our industry needs and the talent available is widening. This directly impacts insurance premiums, repair times and customer satisfaction across the UK.
“As an industry, we have a responsibility to take action. Through our Automotive Academy, we’ve trained more than 5,000 technicians over the past five years, equipping them with the cutting-edge skills needed to handle today’s increasingly complex vehicles.
“We need industry-wide commitment to invest in training, creating and promoting sustainable careers to attract the next generation of talent into this vital sector.”
Thatcham Research’s Automotive Academy equips new entrants with hands-on, future-ready skills in EV technology, ADAS calibration, and advanced repair techniques.
The Academy includes vehicle damage assessment to reduce write-offs, helping technicians understand repair options for complex vehicles and choose the right path to return them safely to the road.
It also supports the upskilling of existing technicians to meet evolving industry standards.
It aligns training with the latest vehicle technology and manufacturer repair protocols.
Thatcham Research believes that closing the skills gap can reduce insurance costs through faster, more accurate repairs that minimise turnaround times.
It would also improve customer experience and increase trust in the repair process with access to more skilled and certified technicians, and create sustainable career pathways in a sector vital to the UK economy.
