That is the daunting conclusion of research by the Learning and Skills Council, which claims that the six figure total is required across all disciplines in the sector to fulfil staffing requirements.

There are already 11,000 vacancies in the industry, of which nearly half are for skilled technicians, prompting businesses to look abroad for workers.

In a bid to address the problem the Institute of the Motor Industry has pledged to increase the number of apprentices entering the industry by 100 per cent over five years.

The association is spearheading a campaign that it hopes will see 40,000 British apprentices enter the motor trade by 2013.

The campaign coincides with the government's £1bn pledge to increase apprenticeships across all industry sectors from 250,000 today to more than 400,000 by 2010- 2011.

Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive, Institute of the Motor Industry, said: “With rapid vehicle evolution, a shifting retail landscape and intense scrutiny from consumer groups, a robust and respected retail motor sector of the future means that we need to attract and retain highly capable young people who have got what it takes to make a career in what is a highly credible professional vocation.”