Motor Industry Must Invest In Skills To Keep Pace With Change

Sarah Sillars OBE FIMI, Executive Chair of the IMI said:

“The rate of technological change in the automotive industry is currently being driven by competition, consumer demands, and regulation. This is creating a constant requirement for businesses to anticipate change and invest in training to help staff keep pace with developments. For those who will be of working age in 2015/2020 (70-80% of the current workforce) will need to have the right skills to supply and maintain hybrid and electric vehicles.”

The Institute is concerned that there is a high level of skills shortage vacancies in comparison to the wider economy. For example, the 2010 National Employer Skills Survey for England showed the greatest skills gaps in the sector occurred in skilled trades (37% of all skill gaps for the sector) compared with just 8% in the wider economy.

The IMI’s comments formed part of their submission to the Skills Commission Inquiry which is looking at whether the current technical vocational and professional skills for adults, including apprenticeships and higher level education, can provide the necessary technical skills to grow the UK’s manufacturing and engineering industries.

The IMI has been working with the motor industry to address these challenges. A Consumer Code of Practice and skills accreditation for technicians has been developed covering a range of activities. Accreditation has brought about a step change in the sector’s attitudes to maintaining skills, providing the bridge from historically acquired skills to demonstrating current competence. The IMI has now developed a Professional Register which was opened on 21 April , of this year, for applications from individuals who have proven they have the right qualifications and knowledge to practice professionally within the automotive sector, abide by a code of ethical conduct and continually maintain their professional standards by proving current competence.