Rishi Sunak visits IMI approved training centre

Chancellor of the Exchequer acknowledges efforts to upskill automotive workforce in visit to GTG Group, Wolverhampton

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer visited IMI approved training centre, GTG Group, Wolverhampton earlier this month (7th July), during a tour of West Midlands businesses that have benefited from the government Plan for Jobs. GTG Group has taken on 7 new recruits as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme which provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit. The IMI is supporting GTG Group’s initiatives to upskill the automotive workforce, providing End-point assessments for the apprentices being trained by the Group.

Pauline Marshall, GTG Group Commercial Operations Manager said: “After a challenging year, we launched our Kickstart Scheme because we wanted to use our facilities, experience and skills to help young unemployed adults improve their chances of finding long-term work. Our aim has always been to invest in the future workforce; to help people learn the skills they need to enjoy successful careers in the automotive, transport and health and safety industries. We’re always thinking of new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our apprentices, clients, delegates and staff, and we hope to continue this success in the future.”

Since 1971, GTG Training has been providing high quality training courses and education in a wide range of areas including automotive.  Purchased by Arnold Clark Automobiles in 2003, it now boasts three leading-edge training centres in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the West Midlands. It has worked with the IMI for its automotive apprenticeships for a number of years with the IMI delivering End-point assessments for its apprentices.

Steve Scofield, Head of Business Development at the IMI added: “The government’s Kickstart scheme is playing a crucial role in giving young people a really important boost. After the last 18 months, they might be feeling uncertain about their future, but we are delighted to be supporting IMI approved centres like GTG Group in delivering training for these young people.

“The last year has had a hugely detrimental effect on skills in the automotive sector. Apprenticeship starts have dropped enormously and employers have been reticent to take on new talent. And whilst we are now feeling more positive, with the various government initiatives, as well as our own efforts to support employers and trainers, the reality is that we are still seeing skills shortage with employers constantly searching for talent.”