A nationwide survey of UK mechanics has revealed a growing workforce crisis in the car repair industry, with garages struggling to recruit young technicians and mechanics expecting to delay retirement due to financial pressures.
The research, conducted by ClickMechanic, highlights mounting concerns about the future of the sector and what it could mean for motorists over the next decade.
The survey reveals widespread difficulty recruiting the next generation of mechanics, with a majority of garages reporting challenges attracting younger workers. Nearly seven in 20 garages (69%) say recruiting mechanics under the age of 25 is difficult, while more than a third (36%) describe it as “very difficult”. Adding to this, almost three-quarters of respondents believe the automotive repair industry has become less attractive to young people over the past five years.
At the same time, apprenticeships remain relatively uncommon across much of the sector. The research found 82.5% of garages are not currently training an apprentice, while only 17.5% report mentoring one or more apprentices.
Mechanics say several barriers are discouraging young people from pursuing careers in the trade. More than half (54.8%) pointed to the cost of tools and training as a major obstacle. Perceptions of low pay were cited by 42.4% of respondents, while 36.9% said the industry’s image is a deterrent. A further 35.9% believe many young people simply lack awareness of the long-term career benefits the profession can offer.
Andrew Jervis, CEO of ClickMechanic, said: “The automotive repair industry is facing a growing skills gap. Garages are struggling to bring in younger technicians at the same time as many experienced mechanics are approaching retirement. If that trend continues, the industry could face a real shortage of skilled workers in the years ahead.”
The research also suggests the industry’s existing workforce may also face mounting pressures in the coming years. More than 42% of mechanics say they expect to work beyond their planned retirement age, while only 24% believe they will retire when originally planned.
The survey also highlights the lack of diversity within the profession. An overwhelming 91% of garages say they do not employ or regularly work with a female mechanic. Respondents identified several barriers which may be preventing more women from entering the trade, including a lack of applicants (62.6%), concerns about the industry’s image (55.1%), and pay expectations.
Andrew added: “There’s also a clear opportunity for the industry to broaden the talent pool. Encouraging more women and people from different backgrounds to consider careers as mechanics could play an important role in addressing the skills shortage while helping modernise perceptions of the profession.”
If the current shortage continues, mechanics believe it could have significant consequences for motorists in the years ahead. Many expect repair wait times to increase, with 72.8% predicting longer delays for customers.
Nearly two-thirds (64.1%) believe repair costs will rise, while 35.9% warn pressure on workshops could increase the risk of rushed or poor-quality repairs. Some respondents also fear wider structural impacts, with 31.8% predicting the closure of some local garages and 23% suggesting more vehicles may be written off unnecessarily.
