Let’s get inventive

Here’s the reality for the automotive sector: if we do nothing to address our growing skills shortages (there are a record 23,000 vacancies today) there could be a staggering 160,000 open vacancies by 2031, according to our research data.

To fill these, we must obviously attract considerably more young people into the sector. But we know that by the time many of them reach 16 years old it’s more difficult to attract them into automotive because they already have other ideas of what they want to do.

So why aren’t we looking to fire up interest with the under-16s? Sure, work experience is great, but we need to be more inventive. Don’t stick to rigid one-week placements. Be more dynamic; try work-shadowing days, open mornings so youngsters can visit businesses; take-your-kids-to-work days; give them hands-on experiences.

For me, it’s all about building a sense of excitement. A few weeks ago, at the British Motor Show, the IMI had a lot of success with a VR spray-painting kit. Loads of young people wanted to try it out, including some as young as 4 years old (adults too of course!). Maybe we planted the seed of a career in automotive with some of them...

Young people need advice, too. The IMI’s Student Resource Hub has lots of assets, content and materials to help learners become IMI Student Members and excel in their career.

Automotive is going through unprecedented changes, together we can navigate a successful path to a successful future. If you have any questions, please get in touch on +44 (0)1992 519025, or send an email to hello@theimi.org.uk and we’ll try out best to help.

With my very best wishes

Steve