- The UK faces an EV skills shortage, risking environmental goals with 35,700 professionals needed by 2030.
- Thatcham Research urges raising the Apprenticeship Levy cap to increase training and maintain future funding levels.
- Despite industry efforts, government action is crucial to support EV training and create thousands of green jobs.
Thatcham Research petitions the UK government to address the EV shills shortage
The UK’s push towards electric transport faces a significant hurdle due to a looming skills crisis in the automotive repair sector. Thatcham Research has called on Skills England and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to urgently address the issue by increasing the Apprenticeship Levy cap.
Currently capped at £15,000 per apprentice, the levy has not adjusted for inflation since 2019.
This has led to a shortfall in training capacity, putting the UK’s environmental and technological goals at risk. As we barrel towards widespread emobility, this problem is only going to get worse.
Major industry players are addressing the skills gap, such as Recharge UK and Jaguar Land Rover. Meanwhile, the UK’s North East Mayor has approved a £14.6 million investment in EV and battery training. Despite these private efforts, government assistance is required.
Only 16% of UK technicians are qualified to work on EVs. According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, by 2030, there could be a shortfall of 35,700 qualified professionals.
Thatcham Research is petitioning for a 20% increase in the Apprenticeship Levy cap, raising it from £15,000 to £18,000 per apprentice. They also advocate for future adjustments to keep pace with inflation. You can make your voice heard, and support the petition today.
Jonathan Hewett, CEO of Thatcham Research, emphasised the urgency of the situation:
“The automotive sector is facing a perfect storm of rapid technological change, a reduction in upskilling and recruitment, and an ageing workforce.
Revisions to apprenticeship levy funding must be addressed as a priority by Skills England and IfATE, unlocking funding to deliver much-needed technical training to the repair sector.”
To achieve a widespread, equitable transition to emobility, extensive groundwork must be laid. That runs from supply chains to charging infrastructure to skilled workers. If we want the EV transition to stick, we need trained professionals who are ready to keep our cars on the road. Sign the petition, and open the door to thousands of new green jobs, here.
