With the industry facing an ongoing skills shortage, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) aims to challenge outdated perceptions of the industrywith the launch of the Aftermarket Skills Passport at this year’s UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.

The booklet will be handed out to students, apprentices and young technicians and is designed to inspire the next generation of talent to explore careers within the entire automotive supply chain and connect directly with IAAF members exhibiting at the event.

Career opportunities across the automotive aftermarket extend far and widewith garages, motor factors, suppliers and manufacturers offering diverse career paths spanning engineering, marketing, sales, finance and much more.

The passport provides information and the stand numbers of all IAAF members exhibiting at the event. By presenting their passport at each stand, attendees canspeak directly with various industry professionals within the automotive aftermarket sector, about products, services, and the wide variety of roles offered by their business.

Visitors to the show will not only gain insight into the diverse pathways into the industry, but also learn about training, development and progression opportunities that can help them achieve their career ambitions.

Mark Field, Chief Executive of IAAF, commented: “The automotive industry is a £93 billion sector and offers young people amazing opportunities – we need to open ourselves up to the next generation. IAAF is now doing more to engage with future talent and demonstrate the variety of careers available across the aftermarket.

“The initiative aims to spark meaningful conversations, provide valuable insight into the sector and help young people better understand the many different pathways into the industry.”

The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026 will be taking place at the NEC Birmingham on the 3rd-4th June. The event will provide the perfect platform for the initiative, bringing together leading aftermarket businesses, suppliers, garages and training providers.

Free tickets to the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event are available here. For more information on the IAAF, visit https://iaaf.co.uk/.