Following a bidding process involving more than 300 automotive training organisations, 10 Pathfinder centres have been selected to support the further education sector in its provision of automotive training.
The consortium promised to provide a package of support to the 10 centres in the next three years.
It includes the provision of vehicles, diagnostic equipment, access to technical data and training support for lecturers.
In return the centres will promote the benefits of a vocational qualification as a credible alternative to university to attract high-calibre candidates into the industry.
The campaign also challenges what it claimed are outdated public perceptions of the motor sector, by stressing the progress being made by the industry to promote and recognise competence and ethical behaviour.
A study by the Learning and Skills Council found there are currently 11,500 vacancies in the retail motor sector – most of which are for skilled technicians.
Advanced systems, similar to those found in fighter aircraft, fibre optics and controlled area networks are increasingly commonplace on new cars, demanding extreme proficiency of technicians in electronics and diagnostics. The scheme will enable students and staff to gain in-depth experience of a variety of current production models.
IMI chief executive Sarah Sillars said the programme would benefit the industry in the long term.
“With rapid vehicle evolution, a shifting retail landscape and intense scrutiny from consumer groups, a robust and respected retail motor sector of the future will depend on equipping people with a new range of advanced skills and an understanding of the importance of ethics,” she said.
Tony Swiatek, managing director of consortium member Autodata, said: “It is vital young technicians understand the importance of using accurate data when undertaking any automotive repair or replacement task. With the UK becoming increasingly litigious and consumer laws being continuously tightened, workshop staff need to be trained to do jobs to the required standard every time.”