Automechanika Birmingham attracts new generation of automotive talent

Automechanika 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.