The IMI secures contract to deliver EV skills training in China in UK-China government-to-government initiative

Contract with Shandong Polytechnic and Technician College confirmed as professional body opens new office in Shanghai

In a unique collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade and the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has secured the contract to train teachers and students at Shandong Polytechnic and Technician College. Coinciding with the opening of the IMI’s China office, the College, which has over 2,000 automotive students, will be the first IMI Star Hub Centre able to award Level 3 and Level 4 Electric Vehicle international qualifications[i].

Attended by around 100 guests, the IMI inaugural office opening event in Shanghai on 23rd May attracted senior leaders from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security and vehicle manufacturers. Senior representatives from the Department for Business and Trade Beijing spoke about the UK’s world leading TVET, welcoming the IMI’s new China office as a positive contribution to automotive vocational education and training in China.

“As the only specific automotive global professional institute, the IMI is focused on future-proofing the automotive industry by equipping individuals with sector-specific knowledge, skills and competence”, explained Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry. “We were, therefore, delighted to be approached by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade to support a  UK–China, government-to-government initiative to assist with new energy Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

“It is our vision to build a diverse, skilled, adaptable and professional automotive workforce across the globe, and we are excited to be taking that to the next stage by providing skills training for automotive professionals in China.”

Just as in the UK and around the world, IMI solutions will be used as the benchmark for qualifying Chinese technicians and trainers. Teachers and trainers will be trained by the IMI, enabling them to train automotive students to IMI curriculum and standards. China’s automotive industry employs 33 million people and the IMI is working with an increasing number of China partners – IMI Approved Centres - to train large numbers of students across the country. In doing so, the IMI is contributing to the UK export of high quality automotive vocational education, training and qualifications.