Motor trade recruitment is showing signs of improvement in the UK, but opportunities still vary by occupation, location and employer. If you're considering changing jobs, the important question is whether the vacancies available match your skills and career goals.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reported an increase in automotive job advertising during September 2026. Meanwhile, Perfect Placement recorded 2,433 jobs added through our agency between July and October, covering technical, accident repair, sales and aftersales positions.

Here's what the figures mean for candidates considering their next move.

What Is Happening With UK Motor Trade Recruitment in 2026?

The latest IMI figures suggest automotive recruitment activity is improving, although the national picture remains mixed. More online advertising is encouraging, but it doesn't mean every occupation or location is experiencing the same demand.

What the Latest IMI Automotive Vacancy Figures Tell Us

The IMI's September 2026 Vacancy Tracker estimated approximately 18,000 UK motor trade vacancies between July and September 2026.

Automotive online job adverts increased by 23% in September compared with September 2025. However, estimated vacancies across the three-month period remained 5% below the equivalent period last year.

These measures describe different aspects of recruitment. An increase in adverts during one month doesn't necessarily translate into the same increase in available vacancies.

How Automotive Recruitment Compares With the Wider UK Jobs Market

Automotive employers make recruitment decisions against the wider economic backdrop, including operating costs, business confidence and customer demand.

However, the motor trade also has specialist staffing requirements. A dealership recruiting a Diagnostic Technician faces different considerations from a Bodyshop seeking a Paint Sprayer or a garage needing an experienced Service Advisor.

For candidates, national trends provide useful context, but current vacancies within your occupation and commuting area are more relevant to your job search.

Why Recruitment Demand Varies Across the Motor Trade

Recruitment activity differs considerably between franchised dealerships, independent garages, accident repair centres and commercial vehicle businesses.

Between July and October 2026, employers added 2,433 jobs through Perfect Placement, covering technical, sales, aftersales, accident repair and management positions across the UK.

Jobs added in one month can also remain available for several weeks. Of the 691 jobs added through Perfect Placement in September 2026, 419 were still live and actively recruiting when checked. That's 60.6% of that month's vacancies.

Which Motor Trade Jobs Are Seeing the Most Demand?

Vehicle Technician, Bodyshop repair, Service and Aftersales Advisor, and Vehicle Sales Executive positions featured prominently in Perfect Placement's recruitment activity between July and October 2026. The figures show jobs added through our agency rather than national vacancy totals.

Vehicle Technicians, Diagnostic Specialists and MOT Testers

Perfect Placement recorded 908 Vehicle Technician jobs during the four-month period, including Service, Diagnostic, Master, PDI, Mobile and Roadside Technicians, alongside combined Vehicle Technician/MOT Tester positions. Each job was counted once.

Job titles alone don't reveal the full responsibilities. A Service Technician role may offer different development opportunities from a Diagnostic or Master Technician position.

Check the qualifications required, type of workshop work, training available and whether an MOT Tester role involves testing only or additional servicing and repair duties.

Accident Repair and Bodyshop Professionals

Accident repair accounted for 291 jobs added through Perfect Placement, including Panel Beaters, Paint Sprayers, MET Technicians, SMART Repairers and related repair positions.

When comparing Bodyshop opportunities, consider the repair work undertaken, workshop equipment, training and any productivity-related bonus arrangements.

Commercial Vehicle and HGV Technicians

Commercial vehicle workshops offer opportunities involving vans, HGVs, fleet maintenance and specialist vehicles. These positions may appeal to technicians seeking different equipment, vehicle systems or working environments.

However, some commercial workshops operate shifts, nights or weekends. Check contracted hours, allowances and training requirements before comparing an offer with your current role.

Service Advisors, Parts Professionals and Other Dealership Roles

Aftersales recruitment was a particularly interesting area of Perfect Placement's data.

Between July and October 2026, employers added 249 Service and Aftersales Advisor jobs, compared with 205 during the equivalent period in 2025. That's a 21.5% year-on-year increase.

Perfect Placement also recorded 156 Vehicle Sales Executive jobs, covering car, van, commercial vehicle and motorcycle sales.

For customer-facing dealership roles, compare targets, commission structures, weekend rotas and management support. Parts professionals should also consider whether a position focuses on workshop, trade or retail operations and what progression is available.

What Does Increased Recruitment Activity Mean for Candidates?

Improving recruitment activity can create opportunities to explore, but more vacancies don't automatically mean better pay or a wider choice of suitable jobs. Your experience, location and priorities still determine which positions are worth considering.

More Vacancies Do Not Automatically Mean More Suitable Opportunities

Several vacancies may share the same job title but offer different salaries, responsibilities and working patterns.

A Vehicle Technician might find a position with better training but a longer commute. A Service Advisor could see a higher advertised OTE alongside more demanding targets or additional Saturdays.

Focus on the opportunities that meet your priorities rather than applying simply because a vacancy is available.

What Recruitment Demand Could Mean for Motor Trade Salaries

Vacancy figures alone cannot establish whether motor trade salaries are increasing. Pay varies by occupation, location, qualifications, employer and experience.

One of the most important comparisons is basic salary versus on-target earnings (OTE). Basic salary is guaranteed under your employment terms, while OTE can include commission and performance-related bonuses.

Before accepting an offer, establish how the bonus is calculated, what targets apply and how achievable the advertised earnings are.

A higher advertised OTE isn't automatically a better financial offer. Compare guaranteed pay, working hours and realistic bonus potential before making a decision.

Why Location, Qualifications and Experience Still Matter

National recruitment figures won't tell you how many suitable positions are available within your preferred commuting distance.

Qualifications and experience also influence your options. A newly qualified Technician, experienced Diagnostic Technician and Workshop Controller will typically be considering different levels of responsibility.

If you want to progress, identify which skills you already have and whether further training could help you move into your preferred role.

Is Now a Good Time to Look for a New Motor Trade Job?

Yes, if you're considering a move, it's worth exploring the opportunities available now. Researching vacancies or speaking with a recruiter doesn't mean you have to resign or accept an offer.

Understanding Your Options Before Making a Career Move

Start by deciding what you'd like to improve. That might be your basic salary, working hours, commute, training or prospects for progression.

Then compare suitable opportunities against those priorities. You may find a position worth pursuing, or decide that remaining with your current employer is the better choice for now.

If progression is your main motivation, our guide to asking for more responsibility in your motor trade career explores another option.

Comparing Job Offers Beyond the Advertised Salary

Look at the full package before accepting a new role: basic salary, achievable bonus, contracted hours, weekend commitments, annual leave, pension, commute and training.

Ask why the vacancy has arisen and what support you'll receive when joining. A position with slightly lower immediate earnings could still offer stronger long-term prospects if it provides valuable qualifications or management experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Trade Recruitment in 2026

Is Motor Trade Recruitment Increasing in the UK?

Yes, there are signs of improvement. The IMI reported a 23% year-on-year increase in automotive online job adverts in September 2026, although estimated motor trade vacancies across July to September remained 5% below the equivalent period in 2025.

Which Motor Trade Jobs Are Employers Recruiting For?

Employers are recruiting across technical, repair, aftersales and sales positions. Perfect Placement's July to October 2026 figures include 908 Vehicle Technician jobs, 291 Bodyshop repair jobs, 249 Service and Aftersales Advisor jobs and 156 Vehicle Sales Executive jobs.

Does Increased Recruitment Mean Motor Trade Salaries Are Rising?

Not necessarily. Vacancy numbers alone don't demonstrate salary growth. Compare basic salary, realistic OTE, working hours and the wider package when assessing opportunities.

Should I Wait Until 2027 to Change Motor Trade Jobs?

No, you don't need to wait purely because of the calendar. If you're considering a move, you can explore vacancies and discuss your options without committing to leave your current employer.

Perfect Placement was named Automotive Recruitment Agency of the Year at the 2026 Car Dealer Power Awards, the fourteenth consecutive year the company received the award.

About the Author

Ashley Camies
As Marketing & Automation Manager at Perfect Placement, Ashley Camies has 14 years of automotive recruitment experience. Since 2011, she has supported motor trade employers and candidates across the UK, using first-hand recruitment data and experience to produce practical guidance on automotive careers, salaries and hiring trends.

Data sources: Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), September 2026 Vacancy Tracker, and Perfect Placement's own recruitment data from July to October 2026. Perfect Placement figures reflect jobs added through our agency, not the entire UK motor trade.