IMI promotes careers in automotive sector

At a time when a million teenagers are digesting their GCSE results and contemplating their futures, The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has launched a week long social media campaign to steer them towards a career in the automotive sector. The campaign will take place under the banner #MotorCareers on social media sites and has the backing of over 30 companies and organisations. The IMI will also push the campaign out through its 587 centres.

The campaign will show 16 year olds the fantastic opportunities on offer in the automotive sector. The IMI says that a misperception of the motor trade being back street and low skilled has prevented many parents and careers advisors recommending it as a career option to children in the past. Research conducted for the campaign suggests just 19 per cent of parents would encourage their child to undertake a vocational qualification and only 9 per cent would encourage their children to work in the motor industry.

The organisations involved will unite for the first time under the IMI’s campaign to promote automotive retail sector careers under one banner to maximise impact. It is hoped that the combined effort will drive more young people than ever to consider a career in the motor industry.

The IMI has estimated the potential earnings of today’s 16 year olds destined for university compared with those who go through apprenticeships. Calculations predict that those who pick vocational training in the motor trade will have earned on average £60,000-100,000 more than the academic students by the time they are 25. These figures do not include the estimated £55,000 debt that university students will graduate with.

IMI CEO Steve Nash said, “Automotive apprentices can train in top class colleges and in cutting edge facilities. For a young apprentice in the motor industry there is the added advantage of earning while they learn. They can work towards one of 150 different job roles, in a well-paid, high tech industry without the worry of shackling themselves with student debt. As an example, qualified technicians can earn more than the UK average wage, £25-35K in most cases. It is a fantastic option for anyone completing their GCSEs.
“With 11,000 apprenticeships started in the motor industry in 2013 there are lots of opportunities to choose from in technical, management, IT, sales and finance. Young people can find out more at http://www.autocity.org.uk.

“We urge anyone involved in the automotive sector to shout about the opportunities on offer by talking about #MotorCareers on social media between the 21st and 28th August.” pg