GCA Calls on Industry to Tackle Skills Shortage at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026 once again brought together thousands of automotive aftermarket professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, workshop owners and industry experts to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of the sector.
For Glen Callum Associates, the event was more than an opportunity to network, it was a chance to support an industry-wide conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing the automotive aftermarket: attracting, developing and retaining skilled people.
As specialist automotive recruiters, we know that the skills shortage isn’t simply a recruitment issue. It impacts productivity, customer service, business growth and the future success of the industry. That’s why we were proud to be part of the discussions taking place throughout the event.
The message from exhibitors, training providers and industry leaders was clear: solving the skills challenge requires collaboration across the entire automotive aftermarket.
Whether it’s investing in apprenticeships, embracing new technologies, promoting automotive careers or widening the talent pool, everyone has a role to play.
At Glen Callum Associates, we’re committed to supporting employers as they navigate these challenges by connecting businesses with the people they need today while helping build the workforce of tomorrow.
To build on these conversations, a number of clear recruitment and workforce themes emerged throughout the event, highlighting where the automotive aftermarket is heading next and what employers should be preparing for.
Five Key Recruitment Themes Emerging from the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026
Across the exhibition, technical theatres and industry discussions, five clear recruitment trends emerged that employers should be paying close attention to.
1. The Skills Shortage Has Become a Business Challenge
The industry’s skills shortage is no longer simply about filling vacancies. Employers are increasingly feeling the impact through reduced workshop capacity, longer customer waiting times, increased pressure on existing teams and limitations on business growth.
The conversation has shifted from asking “Where can we find technicians or salespeople?” to “How do we build a sustainable workforce for the future?”
2. Transferable Skills Are Becoming More Valuable
One of the strongest messages from the event was the need to look beyond traditional recruitment.
Employers are increasingly recognising the value of candidates from engineering, manufacturing, military and other technical backgrounds, alongside apprentices and career changers who demonstrate the right attitude and aptitude.
Recruiting for potential and investing in development is becoming just as important as recruiting experience.
3. Employer Brand Matters More Than Ever
Today’s candidates have more choice and higher expectations.
Successful employers are investing in their employer brand, creating clear career pathways, improving candidate experience and communicating what makes their business a great place to work.
Recruitment is becoming just as much about attracting talent as selecting it, with a number of speakers highlighting how stronger employer branding (supported by social media, influencer activity and marketing) has helped improve engagement with candidates.
4. Inspiring the Next Generation Remains Critical
Initiatives such as the Ignite Arena and Thirty Under 30 reinforced the importance of encouraging more young people into the automotive aftermarket.
Building relationships with schools, colleges and training providers, promoting apprenticeships and showcasing modern automotive careers will all play a vital role in securing the industry’s future workforce.
5. Technology Is Changing the Skills Employers Need
As electric vehicles, ADAS, diagnostics and connected vehicle technologies continue to evolve, so too do the skills required in the sector.
Technical ability and industry experience remain essential, but employers are increasingly looking for adaptable people with strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn, recognising that continuous development will be key to future success.
Looking Ahead
The conversations at this year’s UK Garage & Bodyshop Event reinforced what we’re seeing every day at Glen Callum Associates.
The automotive aftermarket is evolving rapidly, and recruitment strategies must evolve alongside it.
The businesses that embrace transferable skills, invest in their employer brand, develop their people and think differently about recruitment will be best placed to overcome the skills shortage and build resilient teams for the future.
We’re proud to support employers across the automotive aftermarket and remain committed to helping the industry attract, develop and retain the talent it needs to thrive.
