How the IMI can help boost skills with teacher recruitment, training, and retention

The further education sector plays a crucial role in addressing skills gaps in various industries, including the automotive sector. However, the sector itself faces its own skills gap, particularly in recruiting and retaining specialised staff.

The limitation hampers the provision of vital training, hindering the career development of young individuals and impeding business growth. To address these challenges, the IMI is attending the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) event for Skills and Employment at the House of Commons.

The event is a platform for stakeholders in the further education sector, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss and address the skills gap issues in the automotive sector. It brings together influential individuals, including Sir John Hayes, Chair of the APPG, Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education, Ben Verinder, Managing Director of Chalkstream, and Simon Cook, Principal of MidKent College. Beatrice Barleon, who leads Engineering UK's policy and public affairs work, are among the notable speakers. Their collective expertise and insights are instrumental in formulating effective strategies to attract and retain talented individual.

Addressing the challenges

One of the primary concerns in the further education sector is the difficulty in recruiting and retaining skilled lecturers, especially for courses linked to highly paid sectors such as the automotive industry. A significant factor contributing to this challenge is the wage disparity between teaching and industry roles. The IMI's presence gives it an opportunity to voice concerns and advocate for measures that bridge this wage gap. By highlighting the importance of competitive salaries for educators, the IMI can bring attention to the need for attractive remuneration packages to attract skilled professionals to the automotive education sector.

Promoting development

In addition to competitive wages, professional development opportunities are crucial for attracting and retaining talented individuals in the further education sector. The IMI recognizes the importance of enabling lecturers to continue developing as professionals. The IMI can contribute to the discussion on strategies to enhance professional development programmes for automotive educators. This may include initiatives such as mentorships, industry placements, and continuous training opportunities to upskill and empower lecturers in delivering high-quality automotive education.

Partnerships and government support

In order to make a change there needs to be discussion about existing initiatives, partnerships with businesses, and the government's recruitment campaign. The IMI can highlight the importance of industry partnerships in providing real-world experience and exposure to students. By forging strong connections between automotive education providers and industry stakeholders, the IMI can ensure that educational programmes align with the evolving needs of the automotive sector. Additionally, the IMI can engage with policymakers and advocate for increased government support and investment in further education, particularly in the automotive field.

The IMI's participation is of great significance in addressing the skills gap challenges faced by the automotive education sector. By bringing attention to the issues of recruitment, retention, professional development, and industry partnerships, the IMI can contribute to the formulation of effective strategies to attract and retain talented individuals in the sector. The event serves as a platform to amplify the voice of the IMI and the automotive industry, ensuring that automotive skills are heard and valued, ultimately benefiting people aspiring to develop careers in the automotive sector and promoting the growth of businesses in the industry.

Hayley Pells is Policy Manager at the Institute of the Motor Industry