A SHORTAGE of skilled vehicle technicians could provide a cushion for Honda workers ahead of the plant closure in 2021.

Autotech Recruit, which works with garages across the region and increasingly in Swindon, says there is a high demand for skilled vehicle technicians and MOT testers in the area.

It told the Adver that 80 per cent of those in the industry think the shortage workshop technicians has increased in the past 12 months.

Other technicians were often brought in to cover the shortage, meaning garages increasingly rely on temporary recruitment agencies to plug the gaps.

Keith Waller is a freelance technician and MOT tester living in Swindon and works at garages within a 35-mile radius of his house.

He told the Adver: “Swindon now is really good for me, there’s flexibility as well. I can decide how much I work.

“There’s plenty of work around. For technicians there are always jobs going in Swindon.”

He added: “I think technicians are a little bit undervalued, meaning you have got a bit of skills shortage to be honest.”

Many dealers are feeling the pinch from the drop in sales last year, especially diesel sales which fell 29 per cent, but the recruiting firm says record sales in 2015 and 2016 mean many cars will be needing their MOTs re-done.

Gavin White, managing director of Autotech Recruit, which is based in Newport, but operates in Swindon, warned of increasing demand and asked employers to retrain their staff to meet the growing need in skills for electric vehicles.

He said: “During periods of staff shortages, garages and workshops are increasingly turning to temporary cover.

“There is a growing breed of highly-skilled freelance vehicle technicians working within the industry who can quickly cover any labour shortfalls.

“We cannot afford any more negativity to risk losing highly skilled vehicle technicians to other industries, as we did during the recession.

“The automotive after market scene is rapidly evolving, and garages and dealerships will continue to see high demand for servicing and MOT’s, and therefore increased resources.”