Post-16 education reforms must not leave automotive skills behind

IMI to engage with the new consultation to ensure V Levels and Level 2 pathways reflect the realities of modern automotive training

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) the automotive professional body that champions people and celebrates sector excellence, welcomes the Government’s publication of the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and the launch of the consultation on Level 3 and below qualifications. 

This represents one of the most significant reforms to vocational education in England in recent years and will directly affect technical education across the automotive industry. As skills policy is devolved to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, these reforms apply to England only.

Under the proposed changes, all existing Level 3 vocational qualifications for 16–19-year-olds, including IMI VRQs and VCQs, will transition into a new qualification framework known as V Levels. At Level 2, qualifications will be restructured into two distinct pathways, a Further Study Pathway, designed to support progression to Level 3, and an Occupational Pathway, aimed at preparing learners for skilled employment. Each pathway will form part of a 16–19 study programme and will include relevant qualifications alongside English and Maths where needed.

The Government has confirmed that the roll-out of these reforms will begin in 2027, marking a major shift in how technical skills are taught and assessed.
While these reforms apply specifically to 16–19 education, IMI qualifications for adult learners (aged 19 and over) will continue to be available through existing adult training and commercial routes. From 2026, adult provision will be further supported by the Government’s new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) model.
Nick Connor, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry, said:

“These reforms are a pivotal opportunity to ensure technical education meets the real needs of modern industries. For automotive, it is vital that Government engages directly with industry bodies like the IMI and with employers, so V Levels reflect the skills required today and in the future, from EVs and ADAS to advanced diagnostics, and prepare the workforce for the next generation of mobility.

“The IMI will be responding to the Government’s consultation, which is open until 12 January 2026, to represent the interests of our members and centres and to urge Government to protect automotive training routes within the post-16 reforms. We encourage everyone to either share their perspectives with us, as part of our submission, or the government directly, to help shape qualifications that deliver the skilled workforce the sector urgently needs.”