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Autotech Recruit has marked the 80th birthday of Geoff, its oldest active contract MOT tester, celebrating a career that spans decades in the motor trade. Geoff’s story highlights a growing trend of older professionals remaining in the workforce, with flexible contracting offering a viable route for seasoned technicians to keep contributing their expertise.
Geoff joined Autotech Recruit in 2018 and has since become a trusted figure in workshops across East Anglia. With first-hand experience of the industry’s shift from catalytic converters to electric vehicles, his attention to detail ensures every MOT meets strict safety requirements.
According to Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, “Geoff’s ongoing commitment at 80 is more than just a feel-good milestone, it’s a call to action for the automotive industry to rethink how it supports and retains older workers, not just for their productivity, but for the deep reservoirs of insight, reliability, and mentorship they bring.”
The UK workforce is undergoing a demographic shift. Almost 1 million more people aged 65 and over are in work compared to 2000, with 11.5% of the population now working past 65 – double the figure two decades ago.
For many, self-employment and contracting are proving popular, offering flexibility without the constraints of full-time employment. At Autotech Recruit, more than 30 contractors are aged 60 or over, bringing valuable skills and experience into workshops while enjoying greater control over their schedules.
Some experienced technicians are leaving the industry rather than retraining for new technologies, risking a loss of critical skills. Flexible contracting is helping to counter this, enabling older professionals to stay involved while mentoring younger colleagues.
John, a former MOT centre owner now contracting with Autotech Recruit, said: “After selling my garage I found it difficult to settle in one place. When I heard about contracting, I felt it was the perfect solution. My weekends are my own now. I enjoy working in the garden most weekends, and I still get to do the work I love.”
Tagged: MOT tester, automotive recruitment, older workers, contract work, UK motor trade, technician skills, workforce trends, Autotech Recruit, flexible working, great unretirement
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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