Bridge the skills gap faster by maximising transferable skills and untapped allied sectors, says GCA
Date: Friday 24 May 2024
Glen Callum Associates (GCA), a leading recruitment company specialising in the automotive aftermarket sector, is calling on industry leaders to broaden their talent search to include allied sectors and focus on transferable skills to address the growing skills gap.
Kerrie Richards, director of Glen Callum Associates, said: “We appreciate that many professionals choose to stay within the automotive industry, which is great news for the sector, but it's crucial to recognise the value of allied industries and the transferable skills they offer. Passion and the ability to learn new skills can be as important as direct industry experience, which is often quite similar across multiple sectors.”
GCA recognises the persistent issue of skills shortages in the automotive aftermarket and believes the solution lies in expanding the talent pool. By looking beyond traditional boundaries, businesses can benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative approaches brought by professionals from different backgrounds.
Richards continued: “In addition to widening the talent pool, it’s vital to adopt an environment where experienced professionals can mentor new entrants, including graduates or those from other sectors. We’re seeing many people opting to retire later and continue in their roles for longer, and it’s important to utilise their expertise where possible to train new entrants. This exchange of insight and experience not only helps bridge the skills gap but also enriches the industry with diverse ideas and approaches.”
To assist companies in identifying and recruiting top talent from allied sectors, GCA suggests creating a checklist of skills specific to the role in question.
Advancing diversity through skills-based hiring is another key aspect of GCA’s strategy. A skills-based approach not only helps identify the most qualified talent but also opens the door to individuals from historically marginalised groups who may lack a traditional degree, says GCA.
LinkedIn data shows that focusing on skills can increase talent pools by 10 times. Furthermore, 80 percent of surveyed recruiting professionals state their organisations are committed to creating a more diverse workforce, and skills-based hiring is set to gain traction in the coming years.
Many companies are already taking steps towards this by removing degree requirements from their job descriptions. According to recent surveys, 73 percent of recruiting professionals say hiring based on skills is a priority.[1]
Glen Callum Associates remains dedicated to supporting the automotive aftermarket industry by addressing its unique challenges and promoting strategies that enhance the sector’s growth and sustainability.
For more information on how to enhance your recruitment strategy and leverage transferable skills, please contact Glen Callum Associates at jobs@glencallum.co.uk or visit the website.
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