INDUSTRY & SECTORS
At First Step Trust, we strategically focus on industries where demand is high, inclusive entry-level roles exist, and individuals can grow into long-term, well-paid careers. Our current sectors of expertise include, Automotive, Construction & Hospitality.
AUTOMOTIVE
The automotive industry is changing rapidly, especially with the shift towards electric vehicles and greener technologies. This creates a constant demand for new skills and fresh talent. For our people, it offers an excellent route into work: from entry-level garage roles like servicing and tyre fitting, through to advanced specialisms in diagnostics and Hybrid and Electric Vehicle maintenance.
We work in automotive because it combines accessibility with progression. Many roles require practical ability rather than formal qualifications, making them inclusive to those who learn best through doing. At the same time, the sector offers excellent prospects and wages, ensuring that people can move from entry-level into skilled, sustainable careers.
A Growing EV Skills Shortage
Only about 24% of the UK’s automotive technician workforce—roughly 58,800 people—are currently certified for electric vehicle (EV) work. However, demand is expected to exceed supply, with a shortfall of 3,000 EV technicians by 2031, rising as high as 16,000 by 2035. Source: Institute of The Motor Industry
Vacancy Rates Remain High
The automotive aftermarket is under significant strain, with approximately 23,000 vacancies—a vacancy rate 43% higher than the national average. Fleet News
CONSTRUCTION
What makes construction particularly valuable for us is its accessibility: many roles are open to those without prior qualifications, while still offering a strong sense of achievement and visible progress.
Whether it’s learning to operate machinery, working with new green technologies, or developing trade skills, construction provides practical, well-paid jobs with long-term stability.
Since 2019, the UK construction workforce has shrunk by 14%, yet recent data shows an average of 38,000 vacancies per month in 2023. Source: Financial Times
According to CITB forecasts, the sector needs 251,500 additional workers by 2028 to meet a £34 billion project pipeline. Regional demands are stark: Greater London alone needs 26,500 more workers, while the South West requires 42,400 and the West Midlands 35,600. Source: UK Construction Blog
HOSPITALITY
Hospitality has long been a sector that opens doors for people.
With roles ranging from kitchens to front-of-house, it offers immediate opportunities to build confidence, learn transferable skills, and enter the world of work quickly.
We see hospitality as a space where people can start small but aim high. Many of those who begin in entry-level roles can progress into supervisory or managerial positions, often faster than in other industries.
It’s also a sector that values teamwork, adaptability, and people skills—qualities that our trainees are eager to develop and showcase.
As of August 2025, the UK hospitality sector had approximately 79,000 to 82,000 unfilled roles, indicating a persistent demand for workers.
Since the Budget announcement in October 2024, the sector has experienced nearly 89,000 job losses, accounting for over 53% of all UK job losses during this period. Source: UK Hospitality
Job postings for temporary hospitality positions this summer were down by 25% compared to the previous year, with over 22,000 fewer postings in June 2025. Source: UK Hospitality
WHY THESE INDUSTRIES?
We work in these industries because they combine inclusivity with opportunity. They allow people to step into real jobs without unnecessary barriers, while offering employers dedicated workers trained in the skills they need most.
At the same time, each sector provides clear pathways for progression, fair wages, and long-term prospects—helping people not only into work, but into fulfilling and sustainable careers.