Autotech Academy provides interns with IMI Affiliate Membership

Investment in the IMI further supports interns’ transition into the automotive sector

Autotech Academy’s internship initiative is set to further bolster support for students successfully making the transition into automotive work, with the addition of the Institute of Motor Industry’s (IMI) Affiliate Membership.

Opening up opportunities for young industry talent, Autotech Academy interns are equipped with a uniform and a toolbox, worth over £1,000, as well as ongoing support throughout the period of the internship. The addition of IMI Affiliate Membership provides them with substantial discounts and benefits, and helps to raise awareness of current issues facing the industry. The IMI also provides the interns with discounted training and support which will help to fuel future career aspirations.

Launched by Autotech Group in 2021 to reinforce the ties between colleges and the automotive aftermarket, while creating a stronger pathway into employment for newly qualified automotive students, Autotech Academy’s paid internship initiative has been cited as the industry’s missing link.

Created to counteract the large number of young vehicle technicians finding employment in other industries once they qualify, as they struggle to secure a motor industry role, Autotech Academy has so far helped over 140 college leavers into internships. On its own, this initiative will help the industry harness a steady stream of talent over time, but the industry has suffered from years of under investment in young talent and as a result these young people with an ambition to enter the sector need to be nurtured.

There needs to be a continual effort to engage everyone working within the industry to ensure the current workforce is retained, but never more so than young people entering the sector.

“We need to keep young people engaged in the sector and the combination of Autotech Academy and IMI Affiliate Membership provides a valuable offering,” commented Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry. “There is little doubt that the automotive aftermarket is an evolving beast, and anyone repairing or maintaining vehicles will need training and upskilling to remain agile, while boosting their employment opportunities. Through the IMI membership, interns will join a network of likeminded sector individuals along with the most up-to-date training courses.”

Gemma Edwards, Autotech Academy’s National Careers Manager added: “Autotech Academy’s internship initiative closes the loop for employers and colleges. Each internship is designed to suit the needs of the employers but generally runs for 6-12 months. Throughout this time, we actively support the interns, and we are delighted to now offer the IMI Affiliate Membership to so many as it reinforces this commitment. It is vital that we showcase the very best of what the automotive aftermarket has to offer so young people can see the career progression and being a member of the IMI will help to achieve this.”