Industry clocks up over 30,000 SkillMiles in first six months
A pioneering way of recognising contributions to skills development in the automotive sector has seen more than 100 businesses plus another 100 individuals sign up since the initiative was launched six months ago by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the automotive retail industry's Sector Skills Council and professional association.
The IMI's SkillMiles scheme awards points to individuals and businesses helping to support the Institute's work in raising skill levels, including financial as well as 'in kind' contributions, such as a person's time. A tiered points system ensures that contributions are weighted fairly and there are four levels of recognition - bronze, silver, gold and platinum.
More than 30,000 SkillMiles points have been awarded by the IMI so far, in reward of activity such as participation on working groups or loan of vehicles or equipment, for example. Collectively, these points are equivalent in value to over £300,000 of support from across the sector.
Carole Minter, Head of Human Resources, Marshall Motor Group, which has earned SkillMiles for its work in promoting careers in the industry with local schools and colleges, said: "In order to attract and retain talented professionals within Marshall Motor Group, it is vital that we assume responsibility for promoting the automotive industry in our territory as well as continuing to develop our people so that they are suitably skilled to deliver a fantastic customer experience whilst ensuring that they are kept up to date with the technological changes that are taking place in the sector. It is rewarding that the IMI's SkillMiles scheme acknowledges our efforts and contribution in this regard."
Terry Barcham, Managing Director, Snap-on Tools Europe, which has sponsored a number of skills competitions and events, as well as the IMI's professional membership card, commented: "At Snap-on we are extremely gratified to see the IMI driving the pursuit of excellence in our industry. It should be apparent to all of us in the automotive business that we have a gap between perception and reality as to how complex, technologically advanced and customer focused the sector has become. SkillMiles is a powerful component in changing that perception."
Through the scheme, the IMI will also be able to show the Government that employers and individuals in the automotive retail industry are making valuable contributions to skills development, which had not been recognised previously on an industry-wide scale.
Sarah Sillars, IMI Chief Executive, said: "The SkillMiles scheme was devised to offer a meaningful way of acknowledging the efforts of employers and individuals in driving forward skills development. We're delighted that so many businesses have already signed up to play their part and have their contribution recognised."
During September, the IMI will launch new developments to the SkillMiles web-site, which will show a list of those signed up and the level they have attained so far. Among the companies registered are Autodata, bluecycle.com, Clelands of the Borders, Delphi Automotive, Fleet Auction Group, JZMachtech, Lifestyle Europe, Lloyds TSB Autolease, Thatcham and Thunder Road Motorcycles.
To register on the scheme, visit www.motor.org.uk/skillmiles