The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event to launch dedicated student programme

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event (UKGBE) will be running a student programme at its 2026 show in Birmingham, as part of National Careers Week. 

UKGBE, which takes place at the NEC on 3rd and 4th June, has partnered with Autotech Recruit and School of Thought to connect young people with job opportunities in the sector.

Students from across the UK will be able to register for a free ticket and follow a tailored programme. 

Sessions will cover careers in areas such as engineering, technology, diagnostics, and practical routes into the aftermarket. 

The programme includes a podcast-style talk on career pathways and technologies.

There will also be practical sessions aimed at helping students enter the industry.

Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt UK, said: “National Careers Week is about opening eyes to opportunity, and that’s exactly what the student programme at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is designed to do. 

“The automotive sector offers a huge range of rewarding careers, and we know there’s a skills gap that needs addressing.