Industry body the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has warned that the commercial vehicle sector faces a shortfall of over 16,000 trained technicians by 2028 if current training rates do not improve. The rapid shift to electric vans is compounding the problem, as high-voltage vehicle qualifications require significant additional training investment. Fleet operators report longer vehicle downtime due to reduced workshop availability. Several major manufacturers including Stellantis and Ford have launched dedicated apprenticeship programmes in response, though industry leaders say government support for vocational training funding is urgently needed.
