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Autotech Group was proud to host the Creative Workforce Strategies for Automotive HR Leaders event in London, bringing together senior HR professionals from across the UK automotive sector to address one of the industry’s most urgent challenges: the growing skills shortage.
Confronting the automotive talent crisis
The UK automotive industry is currently facing over 17,000 unfilled roles, according to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). With a projected need for 130,000 qualified technicians by 2032, the pressure to attract, retain, and upskill talent has never been greater.
Our event provided a private forum for HR leaders to share insights, align strategies, and collaborate on workforce development initiatives that can drive real change across the sector.
Expert insights and leadership inspiration
Attendees heard from a range of thought leaders, including speakers from Toyota, Halfords, and the Recruitment Network. A standout keynote was delivered by Sarah Furness, former combat helicopter pilot, who shared powerful lessons on leadership under pressure, resilience, and decisive action - skills that resonate deeply in today’s evolving workforce landscape.
Launching the “Navigating Talent Shortages” guide
During the event, we were also proud to officially launch our new publication, Navigating Talent Shortages - a comprehensive guide developed in collaboration with industry leaders such as Toyota & Lexus, Motus Truck & Van, Veolia, GiPA, and the IMI.
The guide offers employers actionable, real-world strategies for attracting top talent, improving retention, investing in workforce training, and fostering diversity and inclusion. It’s designed to empower organisations with the knowledge and tools needed to future-proof their workforce and build resilient, high-performing teams.
Driving long-term workforce solutions
Our Creative Workforce Strategies for Automotive HR Leaders event is another step in our ongoing mission to tackle the automotive skills shortage head-on. Since our Talent Recharge event back in 2022, we’ve been focused on bringing the industry together -creating space for open conversations, real collaboration, and, most importantly, turning great ideas into real-world action.
Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, shared:
“We are at a turning point. Every corner of the industry - OEMs, dealerships, independent networks - is feeling the same pressure from an eroding talent pool and shifting workforce expectations. The Creative Workforce Strategies event wasn’t just a conversation; it was a call to collective action. By working together, sharing ideas and taking bold steps, we can transform this crisis into an opportunity for reinvention.”
Shaping the future of automotive recruitment
As the automotive sector undergoes rapid transformation - driven by electrification, connected vehicle technology, and changing consumer expectations - the need for a skilled, adaptable workforce is more critical than ever.
At Autotech Group, we remain committed to supporting the industry with innovative workforce solutions round three approaches: people, skills, and technology. The Creative Workforce Strategies for Automotive HR Leaders event was another step forward in our mission to empower employers and future-proof the UK automotive workforce.