Article by: runtimeuk on 2012-11-13

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced a series of nationwide events to promote awareness of careers in the retail automotive industry to education professionals.  A key objective of the programme is to challenge perceptions of the industry and its need to attract high calibre students.  Skills are a crucial issue for the motor industry and it is essential that the sector attracts bright, enthusiastic and self-motivated young people that are suitably qualified in numeracy, literacy, science and ICT.

The first of the Employer Investment Fund backed events takes place at the state-of-the-art Jaguar Land Rover training academy in Warwick on Wednesday 17th October, followed by the second event for this year which takes place at the prestigious BMW Group Academy UK at Wokefield Park near Reading on Friday 23rd November. The programme continues across the country in 2013, commencing in Derby during February, Cardiff and Vale College in March, Motherwell College in April and at Transport Training Services near Belfast in May.

Academic professionals and careers practitioners will gain a greater understanding of the requirements for starting a career in the motor industry, with insights from major employers and recent apprentices about working and learning in the automotive retail sector.  The IMI will also be providing information about a wealth of free motor industry careers resources available through the Autocity website www.autocity.org.uk.

IMI Chief Operating Officer, Linda Stansfield, concludes: “For many, because of the poor public perception of the industry, the automotive retail sector is not seen as a career of choice.  However, the reality is that the sector offers fulfilling and challenging careers that are much more than just a job. Through our series of Insight into Automotive Careers events for education professionals, we hope to provide individuals who help guide young people in their career choices the necessary tools to understand and promote the opportunities available in the retail motor industry.”

To find out more and secure your place on one of these not to be missed events please contact Sarah Cunningham at the IMI via sarahc@theimi.org.uk or call the careers team on 01992 511 521.