Specialized Talent Demand in the Automotive Industry
Querétaro, Qro. The automotive industry is witnessing a shift in talent requirements, increasingly focusing on profiles suited to new digitalization and automation trends, explained Daniel Hernández Camacho, Director of the Querétaro Automotive Cluster.
Decline in Manual Labor Preference
Regarding the demand for specialized profiles, Hernández Camacho highlighted a clear inclination towards less manual processes.
Hay una tendencia muy clara y marcada al tema de cada vez tener una menos demanda y una preferencia cada vez menor hacia temas altamente manuales. Las empresas están viendo cómo el costo de la mano de obra que, aunque sigue siendo competitivo en el país, pues puede ser sustituido por automatización.
— @DanielHernandezQ
Reconversion Across Various Areas
As a result, the industry is experiencing reconversion in various areas, from administrative to productive positions.
“Technology and automation are now incredibly affordable, and this extends to other positions such as administrative, managerial, engineering, where the use of technology, artificial intelligence, data digitalization, data analytics, and data mining becomes critical. These skills are being directed towards digitalization and leveraging various software technologies for performance improvement in engineering areas, followed by a focus on automation and more specialized tasks in productive areas,” Hernández Camacho shared.
Collaboration for Talent Development
When asked if talent development aligns with these trends, the cluster’s director explained that the sector collaborates with vocational training institutions, mid-level and higher education providers to establish strategies and influence educational programs.
Estamos trabajando con las instituciones tanto a nivel de formación para el trabajo como nivel medio superior, como nivel licenciatura, tratando de estar con ellos caminando el recorrido; bajar la información a las universidades, a las escuelas técnicas de cómo tienen que alinear sus programas, si tienen que hacerlo. Hemos estado hablando de la necesidad de tener formaciones modulares.
— @DanielHernandezQ
He anticipated that by 2030, the North American region will require twice as many engineers specializing in battery development, software, and robotics related to automated processes in the automotive industry.
Examples of Change
Querétaro, for instance, is hosting technical centers where personnel develops new competencies that weren’t seen 15 or 20 years ago.
Talent Shortage in Mexico
In Mexico, 70% of employers face difficulties filling vacancies, exacerbated in key sectors like automotive according to ManpowerGroup’s 2025 Talent Shortage study.
The greatest needs were identified in the transportation, logistics, and automotive industry group, with 80% of Mexican employers reporting a talent shortage.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main shift in the automotive industry’s talent demand? The industry is increasingly focusing on profiles specialized in digitalization and automation trends.
- Why is there a decline in manual labor preference? The cost of labor, although still competitive, can be replaced by automation, making manual tasks less desirable.
- How is the automotive industry reconverging? There’s a shift towards less manual processes in various areas, from administration to productivity, driven by affordable technology and automation.
- How is the automotive sector addressing talent development? The sector collaborates with educational institutions to align programs and meet the demand for specialized skills in digitalization, software, and robotics.
- What is the projected talent need by 2030 in North America? There will be a double demand for engineers specializing in battery development, software, and robotics related to automated processes in the automotive industry.
- What examples illustrate these changes? Querétaro hosts technical centers where personnel develops new competencies, showcasing the industry’s evolution.
- What is the talent shortage situation in Mexico? 70% of employers struggle to fill vacancies, with the transportation, logistics, and automotive industry facing the most significant shortages.
