Employers must decide on qualifications that are 'fit for purpose'
As part of the Government's plan to overhaul the UK's vocational qualifications structure so that it meets the future needs of businesses, the Automotive Skills division of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has embarked upon a Sector Qualifications Strategy (SQS), which constitutes one of the IMI's recently announced five 'big wins' to help the sector improve skill levels and performance.
Over the next six months, Automotive Skills will hold a series of consultations across the four nations to draft and finalise an SQS which is employer-led and addresses key issues such as necessary improvements in technological, customer-facing and management skills, opportunities for career progression and staff turnover.
A host of research carried out within the sector over the past few years identified that existing qualifications were not hitting the mark in terms of equipping employees with the required skills and competence. A reform of the whole vocational landscape aims to align education and training more closely with industry, so that future Government funded qualifications are more desirable, relevant and flexible. This could involve a revamp of Apprenticeships and the inclusion of sector-specific accredited programmes, such as Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), on the national qualifications framework. In addition, rapid advances in vehicle technology will be considered, to enable awarding bodies to 'plug in' new content and 'unplug' redundant topics more easily.
The SQS project is being driven by Steve Scofield, Head of Skills Development for the IMI's Automotive Skills division and co-ordinated by independent automotive consultant, Stirling Wood. Commented Steve Scofield:
"By encouraging businesses to have their say in the development of a fresh qualifications structure, we will ensure that the retail motor industry has a platform for skills development which is fit for purpose in the years ahead. We're looking for some champions across the whole sector to contribute to this process as ultimately, it is aimed at improving business efficiency and profitability."
Employers interested in taking part in the consultations should email [email protected] to receive further information.
A high level steering group which is representative of the whole sector has been assembled to oversee the Sector Qualifications Strategy project, the final draft of which needs to be delivered to Government by the end of February 2008. Following its approval by senior policy makers and funding bodies, implementation of the SQS will begin in July 2008 across the four nations with work scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009.
Supporting the aims of the SQS, Kevin Watkins, General Manager of the Toyota and Lexus Academies, who is a member of the steering group, said:
"This is a unique opportunity for the industry to establish a long term platform for skills development that meets the needs of the individual and employers. The ability to attract talented people, who are well managed, afforded appropriate training and development and happy in their place of work is fundamental to delivering an excellent customer experience and a profitable business."