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18 November 2025
Halfords is placing human-interaction, skilled expertise and people focused customer service at the centre of its operations – and offers UK-wide apprenticeships to provide technical training and vocational qualifications.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) is predicted to drastically reshape the UK job market, new research from Halfords reveals deep concern among parents about the impact of automation on their children’s future careers, and a strong belief in the lasting value of practical, hands-on skills.
The research conducted among 1,000 UK parents, and 1,000 children, revealed that two thirds (66%) of parents say they are concerned about how AI will affect their children’s job prospects, with one in four (24%) very concerned.
Among those worried, almost nine in ten (89%) admit that this fear has already changed the advice they give about education and career choices.
Despite the rise of AI and digital careers, half (50%) of parents now place more importance on practical, hands-on skills than they did two years ago, a sentiment felt most strongly among younger parents (61% of those aged 18–34).
Hands-on careers hold strong appeal for parents and children alike
With UK industries such as engineering, construction, and vehicle repair facing skills shortages, the vast majority of parents (74%) say they find such practical careers appealing for their children.
In stark contrast, just one in five (18%) parents hope their children will enter digital or technology roles such as software development or data science.
In an AI-driven future, two in five parents (40%) believe creativity and problem-solving will be the most valuable skills for young people’s careers, and over a third (36%) point to the importance of technical know-how.
While children are typically less concerned than their parents about AI, nearly four in ten (37%) of the 1,000 children surveyed by Halfords, via their parents, still think AI will make it harder for them to get a job.
As a result, three quarters (76%) of children said they felt it is important that their future job involves practical, hands-on skills such as working with tools, machinery or technology, outstripping the expectations of their parents.
When asked what types of jobs appeal to them most at the moment, technology related jobs in coding, AI and gaming ranked highest (33%), followed by practitioner roles such as being a doctor, lawyer or an engineer (27%). Fewer than 1 in 5 children said they were most appealed by practical, hands-on roles, such as being a technician, tradesperson or craftsperson.
However, six in 10 children said they would, however, be attracted to a job that involved fixing or maintaining technology such as vehicles, robotics or electrical systems.
Halfords calls on Government for renewed focus on real-world skills
Halfords, says the findings highlight the importance of equipping young people with real-world, transferable skills, particularly in areas like engineering, mechanics, and digital technology. As such, the company calling for a review of vocational course content as part of the AI Skills Framework launched in October 2025, and urges the Government to put practical training and vocational education at the heart of its AI and skills strategy.
Henry Birch, CEO of Halfords, said: “We understand and support the use of AI, and as technology rapidly advances we are evolving with it. But we also know the value of combining technology with practical, hands-on work. In the years ahead, skilled trades and technical expertise will remain essential to keeping Britain moving.
Our research shows parents are recognising this reality. They’re concerned that AI could disrupt their children’s careers, and they’re rediscovering the importance of blending digital fluency with real-world, problem-solving skills.
The skills gap has been growing for years, and to future-proof the next generation, we need more education and greater incentives for young people to pursue vocational and practical careers. That’s why we’re calling on Government and industry to work together to make hands-on careers more accessible, more visible, and more valued.”
To back this belief, Halfords has long championed young talent through its apprenticeship scheme, which gives young people the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while working in one of its UK Autocentres. Across the UK, Halfords has enrolled 450 apprentices to work in its garages and across its support centre, management and leadership programmes.
Throughout its business Halfords is increasingly placing human-interaction and people focused customer service at the centre of its operations. While technology and AI will inevitably play an increasing role across all industries, the company is focused on providing expert guidance and hands-on support that cannot be replicated online.
Across its retail stores, staff provide hands-on support and specialist guidance, helping customers with bikes, vehicle accessories, and on-demand services. While Halfords’ garages and autocentres deliver MOTs, vehicle checks, repairs, and specialist maintenance, led by highly trained technicians who provide technical advice and skilled vehicle care.
By combining technical skill with a personal approach across both retail and garage operations, Halfords is demonstrating that human expertise will remain essential in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
· Survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of Halfords, October 2025.
· Sample: 1,000 UK parents and 1,000 children aged 11–18
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About Halfords
Halfords is the UK’s leading provider of motoring and cycling services and products. We operate via 370 Halfords stores, two Performance Cycling stores (trading as Tredz), 498 consumer garages and a network of 92 commercial fleet locations nationwide. Customers also have access to c.250 mobile service vans (trading as Halfords Mobile Expert and National) and c.500 commercial vans. Customers can shop at halfords.com and tredz.co.uk for pick up at their local store or direct home delivery, as well as booking garage services online at halfords.com. Through its subsidiary Avayler, Halfords also sells the Group’s bespoke, internally developed software as a SaaS solution to major clients worldwide.
www.halfords.com www.avayler.com www.tredz.co.uk www.halfordscompany.com