The lack of skilled labour in the automotive aftermarket in Ireland, has been well known to garages, bodyshops and motor factors for some time, with the situation getting progressively worse since the Covid 19 pandemic. 

A lack of new trainees and Eastern European workers moving home, have been two influencing factors, but also the fact that skilled mechanics can often earn more in other industries, cannot be ignored. 

The seriousness of the situation has now seen national public recognition, with RTE’s Western Correspondent, Pat McGrath, reporting that a lack of mechanics is now causing serious delays in service work. The skills shortage, which is not isolated to the garage industry, also means that at present, companies are finding it nearly impossible to grow their business. 

In many areas the problem is also compounded by lack of affordable accommodation. This is a massive problem in Dublin, where it means that even if a motor trade business can find suitable people to fill vacancies, generally from overseas, these people do not take up positions, as they cannot find an affordable place to live. 

The RTE report also points out that garages say the process to secure permits for non-EU residents is drawn-out and cumbersome and that a widening of the Critical Skills list, is required urgently. In response, the Department of Enterprise says a review of the list of occupations which are allowed to be filled by non EU citizens, will begin in the coming months.

Long term, the problem will need to be addressed by attracting more young recruits to the industry. This is something that will require better structured and more varied training and apprentice programmes, as well as changing public perception, so that it reflects the hi-tech nature of today’s aftermarket.