Insights For North East Automotive Employers

The North East automotive sector is moving fast, with electrification, compliance and talent shortages all competing for your time and budget. We’re Zenith, a regional recruitment and training partner helping companies like yours stay ahead.

Here’s a quick roundup of the most critical trends shaping your workforce and how to respond.

The Road Ahead for UK Automotive

The UK automotive industry is undergoing a generational shift toward electrification, automation and net zero. Backed by over £2 billion in government funding from 2025 to 2030, the sector is becoming a key force in national innovation and economic renewal.

But the real engine of this transition isn’t just funding or infrastructure - it’s people, skills and leadership.

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Smart Hiring, Local Impact

Discover how tapping into the North East talent pool can help your automotive business reduce emissions, strengthen communities and meet ESG goals.

From improved sustainability to social impact, local recruitment offers measurable benefits that go beyond just filling roles

Read More Here

The 5 Critical Skills Employers Are Competing For

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Powertrain Engineering As the transition to EVs ramps up, there's a sharp demand for engineers who understand battery systems, thermal management, and high-voltage safety.
• Controls & Automation Technicians With increased investment in smart manufacturing, technicians skilled in PLC programming, robotics, and sensor integration are in high demand.
• Mechatronics & Maintenance Engineers Cross-disciplinary talent who can diagnose, repair, and optimise complex systems are essential, but in short supply.
• Quality & Inspection Specialists As OEMs enforce stricter compliance, experienced quality engineers with skills in PPAP, SPC, and IATF standards are increasingly sought after.
• CAD & Product Design Engineers Digital design skills are vital for rapid prototyping and innovation, yet many businesses report difficulty recruiting qualified designers fluent in CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX.

Upskilling Senior Talent

When most people think of apprenticeships, they imagine school leavers or college graduates starting their first job, learning the ropes from scratch. But as the automotive sector evolves, this outdated perception is not just limiting, it’s counterproductive.

The skills required to thrive in the industry are changing fast.

Learn More About Our Level 4 & 5 Apprenticeships

How to Claim NI Refunds for Apprentices

If you’re employing apprentices under 25, you could be eligible for thousands in National Insurance savings - and we’re here to guide you claim every penny.

Start saving on NICs while building a stronger, more skilled workforce. Don’t let your refund window close. Explore guidance today!

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Discover the Recruitment & Training Advantage

We’re excited to share our tailored recruitment, training, and talent acquisition solutions with you. Download today, and you’ll find all the information you need about how we support businesses and individuals to reach their full potential.

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