The Future Of Vehicle Technicians
By News

Due to massive skill shortages in the industry, Direct Line has teamed up with Thatcham Research, DG Cities and the Women’s Engineering Society to attract a new generation of Technician talent.

“Repair centres to become hives of technology more akin to a laboratory than a workshop”

A study carried out by Direct Line showed that 26% of brits and less than 1 in 5 women say they would consider a job in the garage. 59% of Brits would dismiss the profession, 17% perceive it as strenuous and labour intensive and 9% of women think it’s a ‘man’s job’.

Enabling drivers to fix minor problems at the roadside, DG Cities say holographic and augmented reality technology will be built into vehicles so drivers will have assistance from professional mechanics remotely.

These are the things the top innovations experts predict will be in auto repair centres by 2050:

  • Holographic and augmented reality (AR) technology.
  • Advanced robotics to assist with manoeuvring and adjustment of vehicles.
  • 3D printing of car parts to improve turnaround time for repairs.
  • Ultra-connected workshops.
  • Hyper clean work areas akin to laboratories.
  • Self-diagnosing cars.
  • Video communication technology for mechanics to speak with customers.
  • Advanced laser welding.
  • Space saving car storage.
  • Innovative staff training areas for mechanics to learn as technology evolves.
  • Mobile electric charging stations to keep vehicles batteries in peak condition.

Due to electric and autonomous vehicle development, mechanics will need to have better computer knowledge.

62% of Brits believe more women should be encouraged to work in car engineering.

Chief Executive Officer at the Women’s Engineering Society, Elizabeth Donnelly, said, “It is fantastic that strides in technology have been made in repair garages, however, in order to make the automotive engineering sector more diverse and encourage more women to consider it as a viable career option, we must ensure that this starts with education from an early age.

For more information, head over to AM Online.