It was a pleasure to meet new and familiar faces at SMMT’s Commercial Vehicle Section meeting this week, discussing the latest sector updates on issues such as Rules of Origin and HGV funding competitions.
I was on the road again yesterday, attending the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit in Liverpool, which brought together logistics leaders to share their insight on the key questions and answers to achieving zero emission mobility. Discussion covered everything from new technology, fuels and infrastructure, to operator trials and fleet compliance, but a recurring issue was how to secure a skilled workforce that can help us deliver our net zero goals
Indeed, a recent survey of SMMT members found that nearly half of UK automotive companies are concerned about skills shortages in key roles from research and design to engineering and manufacturing, and in response we’ve published a new automotive Career Guide to help attract talent to fill newly skilled roles such as zero emission truck chassis design engineering, EV maintance and software developers.
The new guide offers insight into breadth of automotive sectors and employers, with a key focus on opportunities in the CV sector, advice on how to find the ideal job or apprenticeship and guidance on interview technique and scholarship and bursary opportunities.
Ultimately, future growth will depend on the recruitment and training of skilled workers from a wide talent pool to carry out critical jobs in the coming years.
