Glen Callum report highlights regional demands and skills-based trends

Glen Callum Associates (GCA), a specialist recruitment company in the automotive aftermarket, has released its Q3 2024 report, shedding light on the recruitment landscape within the automotive aftermarket, and showing a regional focus, a reliance on allied sectors to fill skill gaps and a continued preference for flexible work arrangements.

With a commitment to educating the market, GCA uses these findings to highlight key shifts and offer actionable insights for companies facing talent shortages.

The third quarter saw the Southwest of England emerge as the most popular job location, reflecting an increase in industry demand in this region. Whilst the majority of candidates (60 percent) were from within the automotive aftermarket itself, 40 percent came from allied sectors, demonstrating an ongoing trend toward skills-based talent acquisition as opposed to recruiting purely for industry expertise.

Kerrie Richards, director of GCA, said: “The engagement with allied sectors signals a broader acceptance of transferable skills, allowing companies to tap into a wider talent pool to address current skills shortages.”

Flexibility in work arrangements also remains a key preference. In Q3, 50 percent of placements were for office-based roles, while 44 percent were remote, and six percent followed a hybrid model.

This data reflects a continued emphasis on workplace flexibility, which has been shown to improve employee retention and productivity. Notably, six percent of all placements were executive positions, indicating a strong demand for leadership roles as companies focus on long-term growth strategies.

Sales, Marketing and Operations roles dominated in Q3, making up 77 percent of total placements. Senior executive and management roles followed at 14 percent, while IT and Data roles represented nine percent, underlining the industry’s digital shift.

Glen Shepherd, GCA director, added: “Adapting recruitment strategies to current trends is essential for companies looking to thrive. As the industry evolves, we recommend taking a proactive approach to hiring that embraces skills-based assessment, enabling businesses to consider candidates from both industry-specific and allied sectors. By understanding these trends and adapting hiring practices accordingly, companies can remain competitive, attract top talent and ensure business sustainability in the changing market.”