The foundation for automotive career excellence

Behind Every Innovation, a Professional

Behind Every Professional, the IMI

Find out how the IMI are driving the sector forward

At the IMI, we understand that a thriving automotive sector is reliant on a workforce that is not only skilled but adaptable to the evolving demands of new technologies and changing market dynamics. That is why we are committed to driving change, empowering businesses, and ensuring that talent is nurtured at every stage of its journey.

Shifting Mindsets

Through campaigns like There’s More to Motor, the IMI is proving the sector is full of opportunity, for everyone, by showcasing real voices, career stories and pathways into automotive.

Fuelling Talent

From workshops to world stages, the IMI Skills Competition nurtures the future stars of automotive. Fuelling talent is about more than skill, it’s about creating opportunity and supporting ambition.

Accelerating Learning

With 250+ qualifications, accreditations and apprenticeship standards, we set the gold standard. Our global network of 500+ centres and partners delivers world-class automotive training.

Raising Standards

With IMI Professional Standards, post-nominals, and the IMI Professional Register, we celebrate and support the highest level of integrity in automotive. When professionals commit to learning and excellence, the whole sector benefits.

Shaping the Future

At the IMI, we don't just react to change, we anticipate it. Through sector-leading research and insights, we help shape what's next. From workforce trends to EV readiness, our insight reports guide employers, educators, and policymakers.

Speaking Up

The IMI represents the voice of the automotive community. Our manifesto is our commitment to change – from attracting and recruiting the best and newest talent, retaining and progressing today's workforce, and anticipating future skills.
Jade Price
Karl Wilson

Our Commitment: Driving the Future of Automotive Professionals

The UK automotive sector, supporting 866,000 jobs and contributing £37 billion GVA in 2023, faces major talent challenges, with 17,000 vacancies unfilled. Rapid tech changes, like EVs and driver assistance systems, are shifting required skills.

Improving sector perception and creating clear, accessible career pathways—especially apprenticeships—is vital. Collaboration with employers can help overcome barriers like funding complexity and qualification confusion. Flexible, business-aligned apprenticeships and workforce upskilling are essential.

Ongoing engagement with employers and influencing policy will boost apprenticeship uptake, ensuring a skilled, diverse, and future-ready workforce to keep the UK automotive sector globally competitive.

Read the IMI's manifesto