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The automotive industry used to be a key destination for school leavers, with high numbers starting apprenticeships every year.

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But something has changed. Apprenticeship starts for the 2025/26 academic year were around 30% lower than a decade ago.

Is this because there are fewer opportunities or less demand for trainees? Neither! Demand is higher than ever, and the range of opportunities has never been greater. But two forces are undermining the industry's best efforts.

Firstly, there’s a perception problem amongst the next generation of talent and the people who influence them – from parents to teachers and careers advisers. But probably even more fundamental is the fact that the apprenticeship system has made it difficult for employers to bring new talent on board. This is particularly acute in automotive, where many servicing, maintenance and repair businesses are........

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