AutoRaise made a powerful impact at the National Career Guidance Show (NCGS) North 2025, taking the stage to highlight career opportunities in the automotive repair industry and address the barriers preventing young people—especially women—from considering this career path.
With a stand at the event and a key speaker slot, AutoRaise engaged with career professionals, educators, and industry leaders to challenge outdated perceptions and demonstrate the rewarding futures available in vehicle repair.
Spotlight on Women in Automotive
During a compelling speaker session, Izzy Hammond, Rosie Smith, and AutoRaise MD Emma Speed took to the stage to share personal insights on the changing face of the automotive sector and the need for more women in the industry.
Izzy Hammond—content creator and daughter of TV personality Richard Hammond (AutoRaise Patron) —spoke about the confidence barriers facing women in automotive:
“To be the odd one out in any room for any reason is daunting and requires confidence. In my view, confidence is what women are not always armoured with when it comes to this industry. We need to give them the support to ask questions, use their voices, try things, make mistakes, and not feel like they’re ‘not as good as the boys.’”
Apprentice Rosie Smith also shared her journey, explaining how she never considered automotive as a career option growing up, despite having a passion for hands-on work:
“I had no idea this job even existed. At school, I was pushed toward either the academic route or beauty courses—automotive wasn’t even presented as an option. Finding this career completely changed my perspective.”
AutoRaise’s Mission: Closing the Skills Gap
AutoRaise Managing Director Emma Speed outlined the industry’s urgent need for apprentices and the charity’s role in connecting young people, education providers, and employers to tackle the skills shortage.
“The vehicle repair industry is facing a workforce crisis, with an aging workforce and a shortage of at least 1,200 apprentices per year. It’s a sector filled with opportunity, with fully qualified technicians earning between £50,000–£80,000 a year. Yet, outdated perceptions and lack of awareness mean too many young people—especially women—are missing out.”
Emma also highlighted the low Apprenticeship Levy rates for bodyshops, making it harder for businesses to take on apprentices. She reinforced AutoRaise’s commitment to lobbying for better infrastructure and funding solutions to support young people into the industry.
Breaking Barriers and Changing Perceptions
The AutoRaise team used NCGS North to challenge the myths about the automotive sector—from outdated garage stereotypes to the assumption that the industry isn’t for women.
The message was clear:
- Modern bodyshops are high-tech, clean, and innovative
- Automotive repair is a financially rewarding, future-proof career
- The industry needs diverse talent—especially more women
AutoRaise will continue working with schools, colleges, and industry leaders to break down barriers and showcase the opportunities available in automotive repair.
For more information on AutoRaise apprenticeships, employer support or levy donation facilitation, contact enquiries@autoraise.co.uk
