News and features

Tue, 10 Mar 2009

IMI welcomes Train to Gain boost for motor industry

Spokesperson for IMI explains how increased training budget can help motoring industry in difficult times.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has described the government's decision to increase its Train to Gain funding allocation as "a great boost" for the sector.

Speaking about the challenges currently facing the industry, a spokesperson for the IMI said that the additional funding will help employers to continue offering training schemes despite the tough economic situation.

He admitted that promoting car production and manufacturing as an attractive career choice for young people is extremely challenging in the current climate, with high-profile employers such as BMW and Nissan shedding jobs.

However, the IMI spokesperson claimed that larger training budgets could help the industry to present itself as an industry with bright prospects once the economic recovery begins.

"As the economy starts to turnaround and pick up again, we want to make sure that young people are looking at the industry as a good career choice to go into," he stated.

"These are difficult times, and we have to try and make sure that we look beyond this time, beyond the downturn."

According to a recent report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, UK car production fell by 58.7 per cent in January.

Last month, business secretary Lord Mandelson and skills secretary John Denham declared a renewed focus on training as part of its £2 billion support package for the motor industry.

Lord Mandelson said that the level of funding available to employers in the industry through Train to Gain will increase from £65 million to £100 million if there is sufficient demand.

• See how learndirect Business is working with Train to Gain to provide businesses with the training they need to succeed. View the range of funded and unfunded courses available.