A new report has warned that drivers could face more expensive vehicle maintenance costs in the coming years due to a "critical" skills shortage in the repair sector.
According to fresh research, more than 70 per cent of repair and salvage professionals say the vehicle repair and salvage sector is facing a severe skills shortage.
Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) said the widening skills gap required "industry-wide action" to mitigate a serious impact on drivers.
The report, from Thatcham Research in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), has warned that repair costs are 50 per cent higher than they were five years ago.
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It warned that these issues will become more complicated as cars become more technologically advanced, requiring more complex fixes.
This is especially true for the rise in electric vehicles, as well as those with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research, issued a stern warning: "The automotive repair sector stands at a crossroads.
"As vehicles become more sophisticated, the gap between the skills our industry needs and the talent available is widening.
Experts have warned that repairs have become 50 per cent more expensive over the last five years
| GETTY"This directly impacts insurance premiums, repair times and customer satisfaction across the UK."
Through Thatcham Research's Automotive Academy, more than 5,000 technicians have received training with cutting-edge technologies to ensure they can handle complex vehicles.
Mr Lander called for "industry-wide commitment to invest in training, creating and promoting sustainable careers to attract the next generation of talent into this vital sector".
Some of the factors resulting in a critical skills shortage stem from an ageing workforce and talent moving to other industries offering better options.
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Experts have called for the industry to invest further in training
|THATCHAM RESEARCH
Thatcham Research suggested that garages could see clear benefits if measures are put forward to address the skills issue.
This could include reduced insurance costs, improved customer experiences and more sustainable career pathways.
The organisation has called on insurers, repairers, vehicle manufacturers and policymakers to collectively invest in training, in response to the Government's Motor Insurance Taskforce Report.
Jonathan Hewett, CEO of Thatcham Research, said: "Skilled technical roles in collision repair should be more widely recognised as a great career choice that will never be replaced by AI or automation.
Thatcham Research's Automotive Academy has trained more than 5,000 technicians over the last five years
|THATCHAM RESEARCH
"We welcome the Government's commitment to improving skills and training across the automotive sector outlined in the Motor Insurance Taskforce Report."
Mr Hewett called on young people in particular to get involved in the vehicle repair sector, adding that it provides the chance to "shape the future of motoring".
He also praised the Government's £100million investment over the next three years to support engineering skills in England, describing it as a "significant step foward".
"Thatcham Research's Automotive Academy is poised to support and fill this future pipeline of talent with our diverse range of courses, ensuring the next generation of technicians has the skills and expertise required for the evolving automotive repair landscape," Mr Hewett concluded.