NAA Member News: Mercury Hampton – Recruitment in the North’s Automotive Industry: What Emerging Trends Mean for Senior Leaders
The North of England’s automotive sector is going through some big changes right now. As the region cements its reputation as a powerhouse for electrification, digitalisation, and advanced manufacturing, the way companies hire and the skills they need are shifting fast.
For senior leaders, understanding these changes is key to keeping their teams competitive and ready for what’s next.
The North’s Role in Automotive Innovation
The North is playing an important part in the UK’s push towards electric and connected vehicles. Projects like the £14.6 million MADE NE initiative, involving Nissan and New College Durham, are helping to train people in the skills needed for battery manufacturing and electric vehicle production. These efforts cover everything from school-level programmes to apprenticeships and training for current workers.
Skills Shortages Are Still a Challenge
Despite these positive steps, there’s still a real shortage of skilled workers in the region. The automotive sector here employs a lot of people and contributes significantly to the economy, but many technical roles remain hard to fill. Vehicle technicians, paint and body repair specialists, and experts in electric and driver-assistance systems are in particularly short supply. Vacancy rates in these areas remain high, especially around the North’s manufacturing hubs.
The reasons for this are familiar: an ageing workforce, fewer people coming in from abroad, and not enough young people entering the industry. Plus, the skills needed are becoming more complex with the rise of electric and digital vehicle systems, which means training needs to keep up.
Rising Competition
It’s not just automotive companies competing for engineers and digital specialists: tech and renewable energy sectors are after the same people. Salaries for these roles have gone up, and smaller businesses sometimes struggle to match what larger firms can offer. Candidates are also looking for more flexible working arrangements and clear career paths.
Many companies are responding by investing in training and working closely with local colleges and universities. There are also schemes like Sunderland’s “Training for Growth,” which helps smaller companies fund apprenticeships. The Northern Automotive Alliance is helping bring businesses together to share resources and push for better support from government.
What This Means for Senior Leaders
For senior leaders in the North’s automotive industry, these trends are both a warning and an opportunity. The surge in demand for roles in battery technology, software engineering, and systems integration signals where investment is flowing and where future growth will be concentrated. Persistent hiring difficulties in these areas are not unique to your business: they are region-wide and structural.
To tackle this, it’s important to think long term. That means investing in your current workforce’s skills, building strong links with training providers, and making your company an attractive place to work. Offering flexible working and clear progression routes can also make a big difference in keeping good people.
The North has a real chance to be a leader in the future of automotive manufacturing. By focusing on the right skills and training, senior leaders can help their businesses and the region stay competitive as the industry changes.
By Dave Macpherson, Head of Global Account at Mercury Hampton and Experienced Talent Professional in STEM Industries
About the Author
Dave Macpherson is Head of Global Account at Mercury Hampton and brings over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition and development within STEM industries. He has a proven track record of supporting organisations in the engineering and technology sectors to build high-performing teams, with a particular focus on navigating the evolving demands of today’s talent landscape. Dave’s expertise spans strategic recruitment, workforce planning, and leadership development, making him a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the industry.
Contact Dave directly if you’d like to discuss anything automative recruitment, talent development, or data-driven hiring.
+44 (0)1925 937315
