As Europe races toward a zero-emission future, its automotive industry stands at a crossroads – facing not only technological transformation but a critical shortage of skilled workers.
In a bold move to future-proof the sector, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and global talent leader the Adecco Group have launched a landmark partnership aimed at bridging the automotive skills gap.
This initiative marks a decisive step toward building a resilient, future-ready workforce capable of powering the industry through its green and digital evolution.
Denis Machuel, CEO of The Adecco Group, explained: “With around 13 million people employed across the European automotive value chain, it is essential to equip its workforce for success.
“Our collaboration with ACEA seeks to address the skills transformation necessary for sustaining competitive advantages in this rapidly evolving market.”
Preparing for a zero-emission future
The shift toward zero-emission mobility is reshaping the automotive landscape. Electric vehicles (EVs), connected car technologies, and AI-driven manufacturing require an entirely new skill set.
As combustion engines give way to electric drivetrains and digital systems become standard, the sector must urgently invest in upskilling its workforce.
Without significant training reforms, Europe risks facing a shortage of workers equipped to support this technological revolution.
This transformation demands not only engineers and technicians familiar with battery systems and power electronics but also digital experts capable of managing automation, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
Strategic collaboration for a skilled future
Recognising these challenges, the ACEA and the Adecco Group have unveiled a strategic partnership to address current and emerging skills shortages.
Central to this collaboration is the EU Automotive Skills Gap Analysis, a detailed study set for release in mid-2025.
This analysis will identify existing workforce capabilities, anticipate future demands, and reveal where the most significant gaps lie.
Regional action plans to drive local change
Building on the insights from the skills gap study, the initiative will establish a High-Level Regional Fora.
These region-specific groups will design targeted strategies to address local workforce needs, bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, and education to ensure alignment and impact.
This decentralised approach ensures that training programmes and employment pathways are tailored to the specific needs of each region.
The Automotive Skills Implementation Blueprint
A cornerstone of this initiative is the creation of an Automotive Skills Implementation Blueprint.
This strategic roadmap will lay out actionable steps for reskilling and upskilling workers across the automotive value chain.
It will encourage collaboration between employers, training providers, and policymakers and serve as a foundation for long-term workforce transformation at the regional level.
Supporting broader EU automotive workforce goals
This initiative directly supports the European Union’s Automotive Action Plan and Union of Skills, launched in early 2025.
By aligning with these broader strategies, the ACEA-Adecco partnership reinforces Europe’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness.
It also complements ACEA’s involvement in EU-supported programmes like TRIREME, ChemSkills, and FLAMENCO – all focused on sector-specific skills development.
Sigrid de Vries, ACEA Director General, added: “It’s five minutes to midnight for the automotive industry, and the industry’s workforces must adapt rapidly to succeed in a fiercely competitive global market.
“This partnership with the Adecco Group is about transforming challenges into practical solutions that empower our regional stakeholders and ensure a prosperous future for the automotive workforce.”
As Europe accelerates towards climate neutrality, initiatives like this ensure that the automotive workforce is not left behind but empowered to lead the charge into a cleaner, smarter future.
