The purpose of this workforce capability study is to quantify the magnitude of the challenge for tertiary education teachers. The automotive service sector is continuously evolving, so it is essential to stay updated on vehicle innovations and technological changes. As new technology is introduced in vehicles, the repair workflow changes and a technician cannot simply repair the fault, as sensors and software will need to be recalibrated for function. Hence, it is critical in the tertiary sector for teachers to remain current with automotive technological advancements. Available literature from global policy makers, vehicle manufacturers and national agencies were reviewed to determine the anticipated trends and disruptions to meet sustainability targets. Literature indicates that legacy technology combined with software will require a major reskilling across the service sector, requiring competencies and improving the development of human soft skills. Disruptions are hard to predict, and this study aims to identify how non-traditional skills will form the required workforce capability in the automotive service sector. Key industry leaders, service technicians and tertiary education teachers were interviewed, and findings from this study suggest industry stakeholders need to work collaboratively across the automotive service sector to develop service technicians’ knowledge and skillsets. The triangulation of literature and data suggests the reduction of the knowledge gap of graduates for the automotive service industry requires all industry stakeholders to make informed decisions to take their workforce forward and avoid redundancies. Recommendations are made for visionary, innovative and planned decision-making for the future of the industry. Collaboration with standard-setting authorities, industry partners and educational institutes, and a national vocational education and training framework will ensure the future workforce for the industry has the right capability and set of skills.
Singh, N., Samujh, P. C., & Bakmeedeniya, A. (2026). Developing a Resilient Workforce for a Technologically Disrupted Automotive Service Industry. Occasional and Discussion Paper 2/2026. ePress, Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec.
https://doi.org/10.55457/ocds.115
Authors: Niranjan Singh, Prem Chandra Samujh and Anura Bakmeedeniya
ISSN: 2324-3635
Published 08.10.2026