The IMI supports UK Skills Trade Mission to China

As the only specific global automotive professional institute, the IMI is focused on future-proofing the automotive industry around the world by equipping individuals with sector-specific knowledge, skills and competence. Reflecting this goal, it has recently established a dedicated team in Shanghai and has worked on a project with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and China Government to train teachers and students.

The IMI also took part in the UK Skills and Chartered Bodies Trade Mission to China, led by the Department for Business & Trade, as well as professionals based in China. The visit aimed to promote the UK skills sector and increase education exports in China, while helping to enable and facilitate partnerships between China and the UK.

As Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI explained: “It is our vision to build a diverse, skilled, adaptable and professional automotive workforce across the globe to underpin economic infrastructure. We are, therefore, excited to be taking that to the next stage by providing skills training for automotive professionals in China.

“Joining the Trade Mission to China, alongside key stakeholders from across the UK and China, provided unique opportunities for networking and discussion with potential future partners.”

Jonathan Ledger, Skills and Professional Bodies Specialist, International Education at the Department for Business and Trade commented: “The IMI’s approach to future-facing skills development in the automotive and allied sectors is not only crucial to the UK economy, but also to China’s. IMI qualifications are world-class and that is what makes them the first-choice qualifications globally.”

The IMI was originally approached by the DBT to participate in a UK–China, government-to-government initiative to assist with new energy Technical and Vocational Education and Training. 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.

The five-day Skills and Chartered bodies delegation to China at end of October was led by Jonathan Ledger and the DBT, alongside colleagues based in China. The visit focused on three main thematic areas: Green, Digital and Future Facing Technologies, Business and Professional Services, Green Transport and Sustainable Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, as well as many allied sectors and sub-sectors.