From September 2025, all Independent Training Providers (ITPs) delivering education to 16–18-year-olds will be expected to provide careers guidance in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks. As the professional body for all individuals in automotive, the IMI strongly welcomes this move, which we believe will make a real difference to young people considering careers in our sector.
The Gatsby Benchmarks have already proven their value across schools and colleges, setting a clear standard for what high-quality careers education looks like. Extending them to ITPs is the logical next step in ensuring that all young people, regardless of their learning environment, have access to the same consistent, impactful guidance.
IMI Resources Already Supporting Delivery
The IMI’s approach is firmly rooted in our commitment to retaining and progressing the automotive workforce, which underlines the need for structured pathways and ongoing support to help individuals build sustainable careers in automotive.
We recognise that many ITPs are already delivering great work, often with limited internal resources, and that’s why our free, interactive platform, IMI Autocity, was designed with the aim of bringing the world of automotive careers to life.
It offers virtual work experiences that simulate real-world employer engagement, helping providers meet Gatsby Benchmark 5. It also gives learners meaningful insights into the workplace, aligned with Gatsby Benchmark 6. In addition, the platform features up-to-date, employer-led role profiles linked to genuine career pathways, and includes resources that are easy for teachers and careers advisers to use.
That’s why we’re encouraging all providers to take advantage of IMI Autocity as they prepare to implement the benchmarks ahead of the 2025 deadline.
A Step Forward, But More To Do
While this announcement is a significant step in the right direction, the IMI continues to push for wider reforms that will help young people, and those already in the workforce, access the skills and support they need.
Through our involvement in Policy Connect’s Skills 2030 inquiry, we have advocated for the introduction of a Universal Skills Account to help individuals track and plan their learning throughout life.
We’ve also called for fully funded Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, particularly in sectors like automotive where accessible entry-level pathways are essential. Our proposals include introducing a right to retrain, empowering people to adapt to a changing labour market, and strengthening employer-educator partnerships so that careers advice is shaped by real industry needs.
As our Government Affairs Lead, Hayley Pells, puts it:
“The Gatsby Benchmarks have raised the bar for careers education and extending them to ITPs is the right move. But we also need a system that backs this up with real opportunity. That means funding, partnerships, and a joined-up approach to lifelong learning.”
We’ll continue working with government, training providers, and employers to ensure that the automotive sector is not only visible, but is recognised and chosen as a destination of choice for the next generation.
To find out more about our commitment to the automotive sector, read our 2025 Manifesto Driving the Future of Automotive Forward.
