The anecdotal link between professional status and performance has prompted the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to launch a new apprentice scheme.
Running under the banner ‘proud to be professional’ the IMI scheme aims to attract high-calibre youngsters by showing an apprenticeship is a credible and rewarding alternative to higher education.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the recognition of a person’s professional status, through membership of a professional association or an accreditation scheme such as Automotive Technician Accreditation, for example, has a demonstrable positive impact on morale, productivity and performance.
The IMI is introducing a new and strengthened membership offer aimed at people under 25, who are qualifying for a career in the sector which, research shows, has vacancies totalling almost 16,000 jobs. The majority of these are classed as ‘hard to fill’ – those requiring a high level of technical skill in areas such as electronics and diagnostics.
Rolling out its campaign, the IMI plans to target 400 approved colleges and specialist providers across the UK, which train some 50,000 candidates registered with the IMI on automotive qualifications, as well as careers offices, vehicle manufacturers, dealer groups and independent motor businesses nation-wide.
Sarah Sillars, IMI’s chief executive, 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,” she added.
