IMI warns against declining apprenticeship numbers
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has urged the automotive industry to use the start of National Apprenticeship Week to re-engage with apprenticeship schemes.
It says that securing a new pipeline of talent before the 2030 petrol/diesel ban is critical to ensure the industry has the skills to support a changing car parc.
Steve Nash, CEO, said: “It is hugely disappointing, albeit not very surprising, that automotive was one of the worst hit sectors for apprentice recruitment in 2020. The first quarter of the 2020/21 academic year saw a 63% drop compared to the same period for 2019/20. And this is a concern for a sector that faces one of its biggest challenges in a century as it prepares for the electric vehicle revolution.”
The latest Department for Education data on apprentices released at the end of January shows that there were 1,575 automotive apprenticeships in the first quarter of the 2020/21 academic year, 63% lower than the first quarter of the 2019/20 academic year.
Vehicle maintenance and repair apprenticeship starts have fallen by 95% year-on-year and due to the high numbers usually undertaking this apprenticeship, the fall accounts for almost half of the fall in automotive apprenticeships overall.
The IMI’s analysis of the DfE data also shows that the proportion of apprenticeship starts supported by ASA levy funding fell by 76% year-on-year in the automotive sector.
Nash said: “What particularly concerns us at the IMI is that there has been a significant drop in automotive firms accessing Apprentice Levy funds, yet this would provide vital support when business finances are under pressure. We would urge any employer unsure about what funding they can access to contact our support team who can provide guidance and support.”
