Institute appoints first full time representative in Wales
Making a difference to skills within the Welsh retail motor industry is the ambition of Colin Williams, who has been appointed to the new role of National Manager Wales for the automotive sector's professional association and Sector Skills Council, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Colin will be helping employers improve performance by encouraging them to develop their employee skills through training and getting them recognised for their achievements. Colin's activity will concentrate on delivering the IMI's 'big wins', alongside its 'Proud to be professional' campaign to improve standards of professionalism in the trade.
The 'big wins' are: 14 -19 year old provision - Working with schools, colleges and training providers to encourage high academic achievers into the industry through automotive-specific vocational qualifications, including apprenticeships and new diplomas.
Adult learning - Engaging employers to assist staff in improving basic skills, as well as opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge with funding support wherever possible.
Careers - Presenting the automotive sector as a desirable career option for new recruits as well as those considering transferring their skills from other industries. Working with employers and stakeholders to improve staff retention and apprenticeship completion rates respectively.
Management and leadership - Equipping managers with skills which will deliver improved bottom line performance through access to industry specific practical and economically valuable training.
Previously Acting Centre Manager for the automotive department at Llandrillo College Rhyl, Colin has worked in the motor industry in Wales since leaving school and speaks Welsh himself.
Commented Colin: "After nearly 20 years in further education, I'm in a privileged position to be able to work closely with employers and other key stakeholders in Wales to support the skills challenges in the motor industry. It is a challenging time for our industry but we have clear objectives to make a difference."