The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and a group of leading automotive employers have warned the Government that proposed apprenticeship reforms risk undermining technician training and public safety.
In an open letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden MP, the IMI and 10 senior industry figures said the current proposals could dilute standards for safety-critical occupations at a time when vehicle technology is becoming increasingly complex.
The signatories include leaders from Hendy Group, Vertu Motors, Eden Motor Group, LKQ, Suzuki and DAF Trucks.
Industry raises concerns over proposed reforms
The IMI said it supports reforms that improve apprenticeship delivery and outcomes but believes the current proposals could reduce the quality and consistency of technical training.
Nick Connor, chief executive of the IMI, said: “As we explain in our open letter to the Secretary of State, the IMI supports reform of the apprenticeship system where it strengthens delivery, improves outcomes and reflects the evolving needs of employers and learners.
“And there’s no question we need urgent action; the automotive sector has seen a 30% reduction in apprentice starts over the last decade and remain below pre-pandemic levels.”
However, he warned the proposed changes could have unintended consequences for the automotive workforce.
Connor said: “As the voice of the automotive workforce, we are compelled to highlight that the current proposals risk compromising the quality, integrity or safety of technical and safety critical occupations within the motor industry.”
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Calls to protect end-point assessment
The IMI said reducing the rigour of independent end-point assessment could create inconsistent levels of competence across the industry.
Connor said: “This is absolutely the wrong time for the automotive sector – and road users – for the apprenticeship process to be diluted.
“As vehicles become more complex, from high-voltage electric systems to connected digital technologies and emerging hydrogen powertrains, the bar for technician competence must rise, not fall.
“Any reduction in the rigour of independent end-point assessment (EPA) will introduce inconsistent competence across the workforce, with direct consequences for the safety of technicians and the public.”
The organisation also argued that employer recommendations are being diluted during the apprenticeship approval process, despite businesses being best placed to define the skills needed in the workplace.
Employers call for changes
The open letter calls on the Government to:
- Maintain rigorous, independent end-point assessment.
- Protect the depth and quality of apprenticeship training.
- Ensure standards reflect the safety-critical nature of automotive roles.
- Continue to place employers at the centre of apprenticeship standards.
Connor added: “We strongly believe that the current reform proposals risk diluting apprenticeships at a time when they urgently need strengthening.
“Without safeguards in place to protect quality, public safety and employer confidence while also improving responsiveness and flexibility, workforce capability and safety are at risk. We are calling on the Secretary of State to listen to employers, protect quality, and get this reform right.”
Signatories include:
- Andy Hamilton, president & executive managing director, LKQ
- Daksh Gupta, group chief executive, Huws Gray & non-executive chair, Hendy Group
- Denis Houston, director, aftersales and ATV & Marine, Suzuki
- Emma Thompson, chief executive, SOE
- Graeme Potts, chief executive, Eden Motor Group
- Jeremy Hicks, retired Jaguar Land Rover executive
- Linda Jackson, retired Peugeot executive
- Matt Coates, training & apprenticeships manager, DAF Trucks
- Nick Connor, chief executive, Institute of the Motor Industry
- Robert Forrester, chief executive, Vertu Motors