Motor industry must recruit new generation of whiz-kids

The relentless pace of new car technology has prompted a fresh campaign to encourage talented youngsters to train as apprentices in the retail motor industry, which is being launched today at the British International Motor Show, Monday 24 July, by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the automotive sector’s professional association.

Industry research reveals a shortfall of some 16,000 skilled motor technicians who are needed to ensure that the workforce remains sufficiently qualified to handle the rapidly evolving technology in new cars which, in many cases, is more complex than in a fighter jet. Advanced systems such as Head-up Display, fibre optics, controlled area networks (CAN), hybrid fuel, adaptive cruise control, drive and brake-by-wire, for example, are increasingly standard on cars, demanding extreme proficiency of technicians in electronics and diagnostics.

With the theme “proud to be professional”, the IMI’s campaign will step up the industry’s efforts to attract high calibre students to the benefits of an apprenticeship as a credible and rewarding alternative to higher education.

Statistics released last month from the Department for Education and Skills show that only 8% of the country’s 670,000 17-year olds entered into work-based learning initiatives such as apprenticeships in 2005, while 63% stayed in full-time education to do A-Levels or equivalent.

The campaign also aims to challenge outdated public perceptions of the retail motor industry, by stressing the progress being made by the industry to promote and recognise competence and ethical behaviour in the motor trade, including the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme which launched last year. To date, there are more than 1,900 technicians now accredited in the UK.

As well as exhibiting in the Careers Village at the Motor Show, where the IMI will be speaking to young people, parents, teachers and other interested visitors about working in the retail motor sector, the campaign will roll-out nationally, to 400 of the IMI’s approved colleges and specialist providers across the UK, which train some 50,000 candidates registered on automotive qualifications, as well as careers offices, vehicle manufacturers, dealer groups and independent motor businesses nation-wide.


Speaking at the British International Motor Show, Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive, IMI, 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 will depend on equipping people with a whole new range of advanced skills who understand the importance of ethics. This means attracting, developing and retaining young people who have got what it takes and highlighting the value of a professional vocation.

“Equally important in our collective efforts to influence public opinion positively is the role of the individual, who can make a commitment to an ethical code of conduct to give customers the reassurance of integrity. The “Proud to be professional” campaign reflects a growing desire in the industry to recognise truly skilled people and show consumers how much the industry has moved forward,” continued Sillars.