Supporting the industry and its people is a priority for the IMI
In its role as the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry and the sector's professional association, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has today (23 January 2009) outlined a series of measures specifically designed to help those working in the industry during the current economic climate.
One such measure includes helping apprentices back to work as, due to a reduction of activity within businesses in our sector, there has been an increase in the number of apprentices being made redundant. The result has been that apprentices are finding themselves left with partial qualifications and without a work placement to complete them.
The Careers Team at the IMI would be happy to advise any apprentice currently facing redundancy on the steps that can be taken to help continue their qualification. We are also working with training providers to identify where work placements exist and try to match these with the most appropriate apprentices.
For employers who might be considering making an apprentice redundant, the IMI may be able to offer advice to avoid this situation from occurring.
Recent research* shows that apprenticeships are a sound investment bringing significant business benefits. Organisations who continue to invest in apprentices will improve the skills of their employees and will have a competitive edge as we emerge from the recession.
For further information, whether you are an apprentice, employer or training provider, please contact the Careers Team at the IMI on 01992 511521 or email [email protected]
The IMI has also organised a series of training days over the next three months which are primarily focused to help those working in the industry, the first is aimed at women working in the sector. The aim of the training sessions is to provide the knowledge and skills to develop confidence and to better handle the many diverse situations faced on a daily basis. This is an ideal opportunity for delegates to improve their communications style in order to have greater impact and influence on others. These training sessions will be free to members of the IMI and also to those females who participated in the Women in Work programme. However, anyone who would like to take part should contact the IMI Careers Team on 01992 511521 or email [email protected] to find out more.
The next session is being held in Milton Keynes on 9 February followed by Reading on 12 March with further dates to be announced in due course.
The second series of training days has been organised to help people with career progression or anyone who has lost their job and needs help getting back into employment.
Two dates have so far been announced (17 and 24 February - venues yet to be confirmed) and will cover personal development planning, training needs, impression management, CV writing and interviewing techniques. More training sessions will then be arranged around the country.
Lesley Woolley, Head of Professional Development at the IMI said: "These training sessions are specifically aimed at helping those in our sector improve their skills in the job market. We understand that with rising consumer expectations, the current economic climate and difficult trading conditions faced by the automotive industry, the need for competent, ethical individuals has never been more crucial."
There are a limited number of places on these training days so please contact the IMI Careers Team on 01992 511521 or [email protected] to register your interest.