16 INSIDE ATR ATR World A Global challenge in the automotive aftermarket industry: shortage of qualified professionals Constant technological evolution of the automotive sector is creating hindrances for finding qualified professionals The global automotive aftermarket industry is facing a growing and urgent challenge: a shortage of qual- ified professionals. As automotive tech- nology advances rapidly and vehicles become increasingly complex, the need for well-trained and experienced after- market experts is more critical than ever. To stay relevant and competitive, compa- nies and service providers must acquire new knowledge and constantly enhance their skills to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s world. The automotive aftermarket encom- passes all activities related to the mainte- Leandro Vanni, Manager of Maxxi Trainning Academy nance, repair, and customisation of vehi- cles after they leave the production line. This includes automotive repair shops, ser- vice centres, spare parts stores, and other related establishments in the market. To keep vehicles running and meet consum- ers’ growing demands for cutting-edge technology, the industry relies on highly qualified and skilled professionals. The sector is highly complex and technologi- cally advanced, requiring professionals to have top-notch qualifications and training to meet market demands. Qualified profes- sionals have up-to-date knowledge about the latest trends, automotive systems, and components, enabling them to understand and address the technical challenges of the industry. In the automotive market, the ability to diagnose and efficiently resolve problems is essential, and proper qualifications en - able professionals to accurately identify mechanical and electronic vehicle issues, saving time and resources while ensuring customer satisfaction. Automotive safety is a top concern, and as such, qualified pro- fessionals understand safety standards and relevant regulations, ensuring that vehicles comply with established norms. However, there is a significant gap between the demand for and the supply of qualified professionals in the automotive aftermar- ket. Some of the main challenges the industry is facing include: 1. Technological evolution: Modern vehicles are packed with advanced technology, such as driver assistance systems, complex electron- ics, and highly efficient engines. Aftermarket professionals need to stay up-to-date with these constantly evolving technologies, requiring continuous training and education. 2. Retirements: Many experienced aftermarket professionals are retiring, creating a gap in experience and knowledge that is difficult to fill. 3. Shortage of training programmes: In some places, the availability of specific training and education programmes for the automotive aftermarket is limited, making it challenging for interested individuals to access quality training. 4. Lack of awareness: The automotive industry is often not considered an attractive career choice for young talent due to a lack of awareness about the opportunities and the importance of the aftermarket. The automotive aftermarket industry needs to take immediate actions to address this shortage of qualified profes- sionals. This includes investing in training and education programmes, promoting awareness about career opportunities in the aftermarket, and encouraging collabo- ration among automobile manufacturers, auto parts suppliers, dealerships, repair shops, and educational institutions. It’s also worth noting that in an increas- ingly customer-centric environment, ser- vice excellence cannot be overlooked. Companies across all sectors must priori- tise building an organisational culture focused on exceptional customer service by investing in training and developing their teams, attentively listening to cus- tomer feedback, and continually seeking ways to improve. This excellence in service delivery goes beyond merely meeting cus- tomer expectations; it means exceeding them, delighting and surprising customers with every interaction. According to Leandro Mateus Vanni, Training Manager at Maxxi Trainning Academy, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and in the auto- motive sector, this scenario is no different. “With the advancement of technology, new skills and competencies have emerged as essential requirements in many areas. To stand out in the job market, it is important to invest in education and continuous development. Update courses, certifica- tions, participation in workshops, and industry events can help acquire the nec- essary skills. The combination of technical skills, interpersonal competencies, and the