There’s a revolution coming in our industry – it’s a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Throughout the entire aftermarket supply chain, we’re starting to reframe our approach to skills, training and recruitment. We’re starting to open our businesses up and we’re starting to talk about the sector in glowing terms, challenging out-dated perceptions of the motor trade.

Such radical thinking I know, but it’s clear to fix the skills challenge, (80 percent of students leave the sector before making the transition to employment from educational settings), we must get rebellious.

Yes, the UK government may think vehicles evaporate after three years of age, even thoughthe aftermarket contributes a cool 56bn to the UK economy.

The UK aftermarket is undeterred in its ambitions – IAAF members want to recruit apprenticeships, grow their businesses, show leadership and give back to the sector.

The 2025 IAAF Conference highlighted that by 2027, Gen Z will make up almost 30 percent of the workforce.

What does Gen Z want? They want truth, belonging, transparency, dialogue and identity. Going further, they know emerging tech, what matters to younger audiences and how to keep things fun.

This isn’t out of reach for the aftermarket – it already exists. The role of apprenticeship is no longer defined by a narrow set of criteria, or even job description. Garages, motor factors and supplier see apprenticeships as a key route for recruitment and ultimately business growth and longevity.

It starts with the business, having apprenticeships experience many of the different roles within the business, particular customer facing ones – the future battle will be convenience, not price, and so it makes sense for everyone to experience what good service looks like. Everything we do is marketing to our customers.

Garages, motor factors and suppliers are also coming closer together, more regularly – an apprentice should meet the companies, brands and people behind the products they are fitting. We’re learning together.

Investment in bringing apprentices to the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026 on 3 to 4 June should be the rule for every business, not the exception.

Visibility for our sector is key. You can’t be part of something you can’t see. The modern aftermarket is tech driven, entrepreneurial and diverse. We’re no longer defined by a job title, but a wider story of ourselves and our trade, nothing is in isolation.

Happy story telling…