The IMI urges Education Secretary to review funding for Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeships

Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has written to the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education to express the professional body’s deep concern regarding the current state of the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair landscape. The IMI believes that there are several issues that, without urgent action, could cause significant disruption to heavy goods movement – fundamental to the UK economy. 

The open letter to the Secretary of State for Education can be viewed below:

Sent by email: gillian.keegan.mp@parliament.uk

Subject: Concerns Regarding the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Dear Gillian Keegan,

I write this open letter to you as the CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry, to express my deep concern regarding the current state of the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Landscape in our industry. It is crucial that urgent action is taken to address the pressing issues we face, as they have far-reaching implications for the economy, road safety, and the logistics sector as a whole.

One of the primary concerns we would like to highlight is the inadequate funding band allocated to apprenticeships in heavy vehicle maintenance and repair. The current level of financial support falls significantly short of meeting the demands and challenges of this industry. The amount of money on offer does not make a viable business case to support effective learning, especially considering the expensive equipment and the effects of inflation. It is imperative that the funding allocation is reassessed and increased to a level that reflects the true needs and costs of training the heavy vehicle technicians of the future.

Furthermore, I would like to bring to your attention the recent actions taken by the Migration Advisory Committee in considering the inclusion of Heavy Vehicle Technicians on the Shortage Occupation List. This acknowledgment by the committee highlights the pressing need for a larger workforce in this sector. In light of this, it is crucial that we create an environment that attracts and retains skilled professionals in heavy vehicle maintenance and repair. This can only be achieved by ensuring that adequate support, training, and career development opportunities are available to encourage individuals to enter and remain in this field.

Additionally, the recently proposed Heavy Vehicle Testing Call for Evidence, which aims to increase the time between tests, underscores the importance of having a fully engaged and skilled workforce. The safe and efficient movement of goods across the country is critical to the functioning of our economy and the well-being of our citizens. However, without a workforce equipped with the proper skills to maintain and repair heavy vehicles, the proposed changes could compromise road safety and disrupt the logistics industry.

In light of these concerns, I urge the government to take immediate action by:

• Reevaluating and increasing the funding band allocated to apprenticeships in heavy vehicle maintenance and repair to ensure the viability and effectiveness of training programs.
• Recognizing heavy vehicle technicians as a shortage occupation, facilitating the recruitment and retention of skilled professionals through targeted initiatives, such as streamlined visa processes and attractive career development opportunities.
• Working closely with industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies for enhancing the skills and capabilities of the heavy vehicle maintenance and repair workforce, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of evolving technology and industry standards.
• Considering the vital role of heavy vehicle maintenance and repair in road safety and the efficient movement of goods when formulating policies, such as the proposed changes to the Heavy Vehicle Testing framework.

The Institute of the Motor Industry stands ready to collaborate with the government and other relevant stakeholders to address these challenges effectively. By taking decisive action now, we can safeguard the future of the heavy vehicle maintenance and repair landscape, contribute to road safety, and support the continued growth and prosperity of the logistics sector.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your positive response.

Yours sincerely,
Steve Nash
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of the Motor Industry