Ryan FowlerAutomechanika Birmingham 2025 has unveiled significant new initiatives to address talent recruitment and retention in the automotive sector, with its record-breaking event welcoming over 15,000 visitors to the NEC.
The event marked a watershed moment for the industry with a special focus on attracting the next generation of automotive professionals through targeted career development programmes.
A major new addition this year was Motorvate – a dedicated feature space designed to ignite interest and careers in automotive among students, apprentices and early career professionals.
With competitions, insightful talks and hands-on experiences running throughout the show, it delivered a bold new vision for inspiring the next generation at a time when the industry faces significant skills challenges.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, said: “Automechanika Birmingham is now firmly established as the UK’s unmissable event for the aftermarket sector and automotive supply chain.
“At a time of significant transformation for the industry, it provides a vital platform to come together, share ideas, attract new talent and unlock future opportunities.”
The event featured over a hundred and fifty hours of free training sessions and skills development opportunities, covering topics including diagnostics, EV servicing, ADAS calibration, and business development.
The Innovation4Mobility educational theatre highlighted the future of connected and sustainable automotive technologies, providing critical insights into the skills needed for emerging roles in the sector.
Kevan Wooden, CEO LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “Automechanika Birmingham is a must-attend event in the automotive calendar, as it showcases a thriving aftermarket with a promising future.
“It’s more important than ever for the sector to pull together in retaining and attracting future talent, and our participation in the Motorvate programme highlighted the exciting career opportunities available to all.
“We’re fully committed to ensuring technicians of every level are equipped with the latest skills so the aftermarket can thrive long into the future, which is reflected via our award-winning training initiatives at LKQ Academy centres across the UK.
“From welcoming fresh talent at our Motorvate stand, to promoting our extensive range and services, and engaging with loyal and new customers on our Emotive and Modern Garage stands, the event was a huge success from start to finish.”
A standout feature this year was the inaugural Thirty Under 30 Awards, hosted on the Motorvate Ignite Arena, which recognised the brightest young talent in the industry.
The Women in Automotive Drinks Reception also highlighted the industry’s commitment to building a more diverse workforce, alongside the IAAF Networking Drinks and SMMT Meet the Buyer programme that facilitated professional development opportunities.
Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt, said: “This year’s Automechanika Birmingham has been our strongest yet, not only in numbers, but in energy, ambition and impact.
The feedback from visitors and exhibitors has been incredible, and we’re delighted to have delivered a show that continues to sit at the heart of the UK automotive calendar.
The industry has chosen Automechanika as the place to come together, to tackle its biggest challenges, celebrate success and shape a stronger future.”
