The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has confirmed that it is to support the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) in lobbying the government to ensure its new skills bill benefits the automotive industry.

The Skills and Post 16 Education Bill aims to support individuals in upskilling and training throughout their careers, but the IMI claims the qualifications included in the bill are too restrictive.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said: “As the automotive sector’s professional body, supporting skills training and qualifications in one of the most dynamic and fast-moving industries of the 21st century, the IMI believes it is vital that the Bill provides individuals with a clear and statutory right to access funding offered through the Lifetime Skills Guarantee (LSG) in order to retrain and upskill regardless of prior qualification or attainment level.  

“This is critical as the evolution of automotive technologies requires significantly different skill sets.

“However, as highlighted by the Federation of Awarding Bodies, the current list of 400 qualifications, funded from the LSG and prescribed by Whitehall, is too restrictive in terms of helping individual’s re-skill, particularly as the UK economy emerges from the ravages of COVID-19.  

“The IMI will continue to work with FAB in its efforts to ensure ministers fully take its concerns into account. It is important that relevant amendments are made before the Bill is passed.”