FixMyCar survey highlights knowledge gap in garage apprenticeships

A poll by car repair platform FixMyCar has revealed that nearly two-thirds (64%) of independent garages feel they lack the information or knowledge needed to hire an apprentice.

More than a quarter (28%) also admitted to having no understanding of apprenticeships at all, including how they function or how to establish one within their business.

The survey, conducted among 112 independent garages within the FixMyCar network to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16), found that enthusiasm for hiring apprentices is not the issue.

Over a third (34%) of respondents expressed interest in hiring an apprentice in the future, while another 28% were uncertain - likely due to the lack of information identified in the poll.

In response, FixMyCar has pledged to provide all subscription garages in its network with a digital Apprenticeship Advice Guide by the end of February. This initiative marks the beginning of a major 2025 campaign focused on aftermarket recruitment, positioning FixMyCar as part of the solution to the ongoing talent shortage in the sector.

This knowledge gap contributes to an ongoing recruitment challenge in the automotive industry. According to The Motor Ombudsman’s latest report, 41% of garages surveyed cited a shortage of available apprentices to fill technician vacancies as a major staffing challenge last year.

FixMyCar also gathered insights from garages that already employ apprentices to understand the challenges they face. Neal Rhodes, head of technical training and apprenticeships at National Group Protyre Autocare, pointed to a lack of understanding as the biggest obstacle.

“A lack of information and understanding about apprenticeships is definitely the biggest barrier for garages,” Rhodes said. “Especially since the responsibility for apprenticeships now largely falls on employers rather than education providers. While things are improving, many garages still don’t fully understand their role in the process or the level of support they must provide.”

Smaller garages, in particular, struggle with these commitments, even as larger networks like Protyre Autocare find it challenging. Rhodes stressed the importance of bringing new talent into the industry, stating: “We all have a responsibility to fill the talent pool for the benefit of the wider automotive sector.”

Matt Wrankmore, head of garage network at FixMyCar, underscored the need for industry-wide recognition of the issue. “We have so many great auto repair businesses on our network that truly care about their profession and the future of it,” he said. “However, there is a clear knowledge gap creating yet another recruitment barrier for these garages.”