How the IMI is inspiring the next generation of automotive talent

With automotive vacancy rates still stubbornly high, engaging with schools and colleges becomes incredibly important in the battle to bring in new people to automotive and help it remain successful.  

It isn’t easy, there’s a lot of competition out there, different sectors all trying to draw in the people they need. So you have to begin the process from a young age and keep it going.  

The IMI is fully aware how important it is and its careers team invests a lot of time travelling the country to show just how diverse and exciting a career in automotive can be.

Showcase the stars

The biggest event of the year is arguably the IMI Skills Competitions. Yes, I know, it’s for people who are already part of the sector, but if you’re celebrating the new talent that’s starting out on their career journey, it’s easier to create a buzz for others.

The IMI careers and competitions team was in full swing throughout May and June running the IMI Skills Competitions national qualifiers, working hard to recognise the best apprentices.

Competitors in the four categories, Light Vehicle Technology, Heavy Vehicle Technology, Refinishing and Body Repair took in Morelli’s Eyebox Training and Conference Centre in Coventry, Scania’s impressive training centre in Loughborough, and the Henry Ford Academy in Daventry to find out who would be heading to the finals later in the year.

It’s an amazing event that whittles down all the competitors to just 24 students and apprentices, who will head to the live national finals between 18th and 22nd November 2024 in Greater Manchester.

Talking to the masses

Big is better (sometimes) which is why the IMI team visited the Skills Festival in Chelmsford, Essex. It brought together students from across the area, with hundreds of young people from multiple schools came to experience some of the skills they could employ in an automotive careers.

Everyone was able to take part in, getting a taster of what it’s like to be a paint refinish using virtual reality technology, as well as using the same systems to give workshop tours, and of course where they could find out all about the range of career options in the sector.

Small scale

Events don’t have to be huge to raise awareness, sometimes small is better if you really want to give people your absolute attention.

Working alongside ELSA Next Generation the IMI has been supporting the organisation with its Get Work Ready programme at Stevenage Education Support Centre for young people from KS3 and KS4 who have been excluded from mainstream education.  

As part of the collaboration, the IMI ran skills and career match workshops and as well as its design a vehicle activity, helping build confidence and showing these young people that they have valuable skills which could be an incredible fit in the automotive sector.

It takes time, and the process is continuous, but attending events and interacting with a possible new generation of automotive talent is a critical part of making sure the sector stays successful and brings the best and brightest into the industry.

Find out more about IMI Autocity, the one-stop-shop for impartial careers information and advice on getting into the automotive sector.