Sector focus
Automotive
The shift to electric vehicles has reshaped automotive hiring, moving demand decisively toward electrification, batteries and software. Traditional skills remain relevant, but the growth is firmly on the electric and digital side. Candidates who can bridge mechanical engineering and new powertrain or software domains are in a strong position.
01
Growth over the last four years
The transition to EVs transformed demand, moving hiring away from traditional powertrain and toward electrification and software skills. Investment in battery and EV manufacturing has created new categories of role. At the same time, some legacy roles have declined, making adaptability essential.
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Today's challenges
An EV-transition skills gap and ongoing supply-chain volatility are the key challenges. The talent needed for batteries, power electronics and embedded software is scarce and highly contested. Retraining the existing workforce fast enough is a persistent difficulty.
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The year ahead
EV, battery and software roles are set to grow while traditional powertrain roles gradually decline. Battery manufacturing and supply-chain localisation should create UK opportunities. Software and connectivity will keep rising in importance.
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Opportunities on the rise
EV and battery engineering, embedded software and modern manufacturing are the rising opportunities. Functional safety and systems engineering skills are in strong demand. Charging infrastructure and energy-management roles are also emerging.
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How to grow in this field
Build electrification, software and systems-engineering skills to stay ahead of the transition. Functional-safety knowledge (ISO 26262) is increasingly expected in engineering roles. A willingness to keep retraining is one of the most valuable traits in this sector.
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