IMI consults industry on occupational standards and 'Time to Train' proposals
Employers in the automotive sector are being asked for their views on two areas of major significance which will influence future skills development, in consultations by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional association and Sector Skills Council.
The whole range of National Occupational Standards (NOS), which underpin all vocational qualifications in the automotive sector, are being revised and the IMI's Skills Development team is coordinating a consultation process until the end of September. Brand new qualifications will be introduced next year so the existing Standards are being updated in conjunction with some 25 specialist Expert Working Groups made up of representatives from all areas of the industry, to ensure they reflect current job roles and take into account new technology and business practices.
The IMI has also launched an on-line consultation process at www.motor.org.uk/nos for employers to give their feedback on the standards via its website. Alternatively, they can request the relevant documentation direct from the Institute.
Steve Scofield, IMI's Head of Skills Development, said:
"Our revision of the National Occupational Standards is a critical process for our sector as it will determine how new vocational qualifications will look for the next five years. It's vital that we get as many employers as possible to feed in to this consultation so that the IMI can ensure that, once developed, the qualifications are fit for purpose and valued by businesses."
Separately, the IMI is also inviting employers to respond to the Government's proposals to give employees in England a legal right to ask their employer for time to undertake the training they need to be more effective and productive at work.
The 'Time to Train' consultation, by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, runs until 10 September and details of the proposals, together with the consultation response form, can be found at www.dius.gov.uk/consultations
Under the proposals employees can request time to undertake formal training that leads to a qualification, or for informal unaccredited training that will help them to develop a specific skill relevant to their job. In both cases, the only requirement would be that training should help improve business performance and productivity.
The Government believes 'Time to Train' will be an important catalyst in driving up the nation's skills. It will give employees the opportunity to rise as far as their talents will take them, to improve their lives and those of their families. By helping to raise their employees' awareness and aspirations in relation to skills, it believes the proposed right would also support and encourage employers to invest in the skills of their employees as a driver for future business performance.