As National Apprenticeship Week puts the spotlight on practical career routes, the motor trade is warning of a growing skills shortage and encouraging more young people in Argyll and Bute to consider a future working with vehicles.
From school runs to delivery drivers and care workers travelling across rural communities, everyday life in Argyll depends on safe, reliable transport. But behind the scenes, there are concerns that not enough skilled technicians are coming through to keep Britain’s cars on the road.
Industry figures show the automotive sector will need tens of thousands of additional workers trained to handle electric and hybrid vehicles by 2030. Yet fewer than 20 per cent of the current workforce is fully qualified to work safely on high-voltage electric systems.
That gap presents both a challenge and a major opportunity.
The reality of working with cars in 2026 is very different from outdated stereotypes of oily overalls and spanners. Modern vehicles are packed with electronics, software, sensors and complex diagnostics. Today’s technicians need strong problem-solving skills and ongoing training to keep pace with evolving technology.
Garage owner Jenny Price of James Price Garage says perceptions are part of the problem.
“People are often surprised by how technical the job has become,” she said. “Today’s technicians are not just fixing cars – they’re diagnosing complex systems, working with electronics and using software every day. It’s a skilled profession, and it needs to be seen that way.”
National Apprenticeship Week highlights the growing appeal of apprenticeships as an alternative to university. In vehicle repair and maintenance, apprentices can earn a wage from day one while gaining recognised qualifications and hands-on experience – without building up student debt.
For young people in rural areas such as Argyll and Bute, where leaving the area for further study is not always practical or affordable, apprenticeships can offer a clear pathway into long-term employment.
Experienced plumbers and electricians – once seen as fallback options – now regularly earn between £40,000 and £50,000 a year, with self-employed specialists earning more. Industry leaders believe the automotive sector could follow a similar path if perceptions shift.
The Armed Forces, now the UK’s largest apprenticeship provider, have also successfully promoted apprenticeships as a respected, debt-free route into skilled careers. Supporters argue the motor industry could do the same.
The importance of vehicle technicians became clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when repair businesses were formally recognised as key services, ensuring emergency vehicles, healthcare fleets and essential workers could stay mobile.
In a largely rural area like Argyll and Bute – where public transport can be limited and long journeys are common – reliable vehicles are essential to daily life and the local economy.
Industry representatives say the issue is not a lack of jobs, but a lack of awareness. Young people, parents and career-changers need clearer information about what the work actually involves and the progression it can offer, from specialist technical roles to management or business ownership.
For those interested in learning more, the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event (UKGBE), the country’s largest automotive trade event, takes place this summer and is increasingly welcoming students and apprentices. The event allows visitors to see the latest vehicle technology up close and speak to professionals about training routes and career options.
As National Apprenticeship Week encourages young people to look beyond traditional career paths, industry voices are keen to send a clear message: fixing cars is no longer a job of the past – it is a skilled, future-proof career in an industry that quite literally keeps Argyll and the wider country moving.
