Emma Carrigy, head of research, careers and inclusion at the Institute of the Motor Industry, looks at how the increasing complexity of modern vehicle technologies is driving the requirement for a new level of continuous professional development in the automotive workforce.
Technology within modern vehicles is evolving at an unprecedented pace with software and integrated vehicle systems now standard. Alongside electrification and greater connectivity, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are becoming increasingly common across the UK vehicle parc, bringing clear safety and performance benefits for drivers. Modern vehicles increasingly rely on sensors, software and connectivity working together and this means how faults are diagnosed and repaired is changing.
This growing sophistication also means the demands on technicians are changing rapidly. Systems such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are safety-critical. They, therefore, require the correct knowledge, equipment and processes to diagnose, repair and recalibrate properly. Indeed, as vehicles become more software-enabled, technicians are increasingly required to interpret diagnostic information and understand how different systems interact, rather than simply replacing mechanical components. As the technologies develop, the need for technicians to continually update their skills becomes ever more critical.
The growing ADAS vehicle parc
ADAS is just one example of how vehicle technology is transforming the role of the technician, with quite significant connotations for skills going forward.
IMI ADAS research has identified that around 27 per cent of cars currently on UK roads already feature some degree of Level 2 driver assistance, with forecasts indicating this could rise to around 40 per cent by the late 2020s. With Level 2 driver assistance systems, which support the driver but still require full driver engagement, now de facto in all new build models, this is a critical area of growth for which the workforce needs to be prepared.
Many ADAS and safety systems rely on precise calibration following repair or replacement. Incorrect calibration can affect the performance of safety-critical systems, underlining the importance of technicians having the appropriate training, equipment and competence when working on these technologies.
Looking ahead, achieving competence in working on ADAS has longer-term relevance for technicians too. As autonomous driving starts to come into mainstream road usage, incorporating higher levels of vehicle automation, the complexity of the underlying vehicle technologies will continue to increase. The importance of technicians maintaining up-to-date knowledge and competence cannot, therefore, be under-stated.
The new automotive technician
Today’s professionals must be comfortable working not only with mechanical systems, but also with electronics, software and complex integrated vehicle systems. Technologies such as electrification, digital diagnostics and connected vehicle systems are increasingly intersecting within workshops, requiring a blend of mechanical, electrical and digital skills.
Technicians also need to consider their long-term career opportunities as green skills in automotive expand rapidly.
IMI data has identified that green-linked roles are expected to grow from about 14 per cent of today’s workforce to nearly 30 per cent by 2032. With around 60 per cent of technicians expected to retire or exit by 2032, replacement demand alone will create thousands of entry points for new, diverse talent as well as career-growth opportunities for those already in the workforce.
Priority green occupations and skills
Some occupations already exist but are acquiring new green competencies; others are emerging for the first time. Together they form the core of the UK’s green automotive workforce, people who make low-carbon mobility safe, reliable and commercially viable:
- EV andenergy-systems technicians
The largest and most urgent area of growth. Technicians who can diagnose and repair high-voltage vehicles safely are the foundation of the transition to electrified transport. IMI forecasts that the UK will need around 155,000 EV-qualified technicians by 2035, compared with about 66,000 today.
- Circular-economy and end-of-life specialists
As regulation and consumer expectations push manufacturers toward closed-loop systems, new technical and compliance roles are expanding rapidly. Battery dismantlers, parts-remanufacturing technicians and materials-recovery operatives combine engineering skill with environmental awareness. These roles underpin the UK’s progress toward net zero waste and resource efficiency.
- Sustainability andcarbon officers
Sustainability is no longer a back-office function. ESG managers and carbon analysts are appearing in dealer groups, logistics firms and manufacturers alike, tracking emissions, energy use and waste, and turning data into operational change. Skills include carbon accounting, ISO 14001 management, supply-chain auditing and communication of environmental impact.
- Hydrogen andalternative-energy engineers
Hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels are gaining traction in heavy-vehicle and fleet operations. Engineers in this space must blend mechanical and chemical expertise, handling pressurised gases safely, maintaining fuel cells and calibrating energy systems. Though small today, this field will become strategically important post-2027 as pilot fleets scale.
- Digital-green hybrids
Across every sub-sector, data and sustainability are converging. Battery-data analysts, telematics specialists and predictive-maintenance engineers use analytics to reduce downtime, extend component life and cut emissions. These hybrid roles link workshops with control rooms, requiring fluency in diagnostics, coding and environmental data.
The multi-discipline workforce
The technician profession is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary, combining mechanical expertise with electronics, diagnostics and software understanding. Maintaining competence across all the evolving technologies through ongoing professional development has, therefore, never been more important. And workshops and employers must play a key role in ensuring technicians have access to the training, tools and information needed to keep pace.
By investing in skills and supporting technicians to maintain professional standards, the industry can ensure the workforce remains confident and capable as vehicle technology continues to advance.
