How the IMI is speaking up for automotive to drive future policy

As the automotive sector grapples with a growing skills crisis, the IMI has been appointed as an Advisory Board member to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Future of Employability. The appointment means the IMI will participate in policy dialogue around government strategy on attracting people to work in the essential sectors that help drive the UK economy, including the motor industry.

But what exactly is an APPG, and why is the IMI's appointment so significant?

An APPG is a group made up of MPs or Members of the House of Lords from different political parties who come together to discuss a particular issue or cause. These groups are often formed to raise awareness about specific topics, inform policy, and generate parliamentary debate on issues of interest to the group. APPGs can be influential in shaping government policy and have been responsible for introducing numerous successful pieces of legislation.

The IMI's appointment to the APPG on the Future of Employability places the organisation in a privileged position to inform policy dialogue around government strategy on attracting people to work in the essential sectors that help drive the UK economy. The group aims to build consensus on potential policy reforms regarding the future of employability, from creating the right framework for retraining and upskilling, to the impact of technology on the way people work.

The automotive sector is facing a significant skills challenge and recruitment crisis. Against headwinds of an aging population and economic instability, the sector is struggling to attract and retain the skilled workers it needs to thrive. The IMI's appointment to the APPG is, therefore, an important development that enables the organisation to represent the automotive sector with direct access to high-level discussions on all aspects impacting employability in the future.

The demographics of the workforce are changing, and many motor industry professionals are retiring. Together with decreased immigration and reduced training budgets, this means a shortfall in workers. The EV revolution also means that conventional roles like vehicle technicians need to evolve with additional training to work on technologies such as ADAS and high voltage systems. And this means the industry should now be viewed through the lens of a technology sector.

The APPG on the Future of Employability provides the IMI with a platform to inform further education strategies and investment to support the sector. This includes attracting older age groups to these vital new sectors, as well as appealing to a more diverse workforce. By working with the group, the IMI can help shape policy that will create a more robust and sustainable future for the motor industry.

But the benefits of APPGs extend far beyond the automotive sector. These groups offer a unique opportunity for organizations to engage with policymakers and help shape government policy. By bringing together politicians from different parties and different regions of the country, APPGs can build consensus on issues that might otherwise be divisive.

Moreover, by engaging with policymakers through APPGs, organizations can help ensure that their interests are represented in the policy-making process. This is particularly important for organizations that may not have the resources or influence to lobby government directly. By working with APPGs, these organizations can leverage the collective power of the group to ensure their voices are heard.

Finally, APPGs can also be a valuable source of information and expertise for organizations. By bringing together experts from different sectors and different disciplines, APPGs can provide a forum for discussion and collaboration that can lead to new insights and ideas.

In conclusion, the IMI's appointment to the APPG on the Future of Employability is a significant development for the automotive sector. By working with the group, the IMI can help shape policy that will create a more robust and sustainable future for the sector. But the benefits of APPGs extend far beyond the automotive sector. These groups provide a forum for MPs and experts from various fields to come together, share their knowledge and expertise, and work towards common goals. They allow for a more collaborative and inclusive approach to policymaking, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes for all. By participating in APPGs, organisations like the IMI can help to shape the debate on issues that affect not only their own industry but also the wider economy and society as a whole.

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