The Institute of the Motor Industry is embarking on a campaign to debunk the perceptions that are at the heart of the recruitment challenges in the automotive sector.
Central to the campaign will reportedly be real voices telling real stories about their positive career experiences. And the professional body is now on a recruitment drive to find those real voices.
With the automotive sector facing a 20 year high in vacancies*, it claims there is a need to encourage more people to think about a career in automotive, with IMI data suggesting 111,400 roles need to be filled in the next 10 years. There are currently 218 occupations across the sector, with technological advances – from ADAS and electric to connected motoring and online sales – creating opportunities that go beyond traditional perceptions of working in automotive, as Lesley Woolley, Chief Operating Officer at the IMI explained:
“Understandably, businesses are worried about filling vacancies and the impact of skills shortages. We acknowledge the stereotyping that happens and why many people think that a job in automotive is dirty, a masculine work environment, and not welcoming for everyone. But automotive is changing. The Diversity Task Force has enabled us to work with many businesses who are leading the change to create more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces. They’ve understood the intrinsic value of attracting, nurturing, and retaining diverse talent. It’s now time to showcase the changing face of automotive, a vibrant, tech-led, customer and people-centric ecosystem. It’s a great time to be working in the sector which the campaign will clearly demonstrate.”
The new IMI campaign will allegedly highlight that career opportunities exist for individuals, whether at the start of their working life or looking for a change in direction. Using a targeted, regional digital media strategy, real voices will share their own positive experiences within the automotive industry and supposedly encourage others to do the same.
Championed by Linda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer at PEUGEOT and a founding member of the IMI Diversity Task Force, it is said that the IMI Perceptions campaign will use digital platforms to reach people at key points for job change. Data has apparently identified that many people consider a career change on a return from a summer break. Kicking off in September, therefore, with regionally targeted activity pinpointing job roles matched to employers with vacancies, the campaign will also hope to highlight stories of those who have moved into automotive for a career change.
Amy Edwards, an Apprentice LCV Technician at Motus Commercials is one of those real voices. “I never thought about joining the automotive sector until I saw a service advisor job advertised at the same company where my Dad and brother worked. With my customer service background in retail, I thought why not have a go. I haven’t looked back and I honestly can’t imagine working in any other industry now.
“I believe the biggest misconception of the sector is that workshop roles are dirty and for less intelligent people. The way the industry is going with EV means that there are less mucky jobs on the vehicles and the added safety concerns mean that everyone needs a good level of training. Plus, I’ve never met a Master Technician who hasn’t completely blown my mind with the amount of knowledge they have.
“I’m currently on my third role in the sector and I can honestly say the skills I’ve gained in the previous two roles have helped me massively in my current position. Take advantage of work experience and apprenticeship opportunities and even just pop into a local site and ask any questions you have. We’re a sector in need so you won’t be turned away.”
The IMI is urging members and the wider automotive community to share their real voices to raise awareness of the potential of automotive.
It is also said to be engaging with employers to put their vacancies in front of those looking for their first job or a career change. And the IMI is encouraging everyone working in automotive to sign its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Pledge, which will allegedly keep them up to date with the Perceptions Campaign.
“Urgent action is needed to start attracting talent and reassure joiners that automotive is an enticing, exciting and inclusive sector” concluded Lesley Woolley. “We also need employers to embrace and amplify the campaign through their own channels. After all, it’s their businesses that will benefit.”
*26,000 vacancies identified in Automotive labour market briefing Apr2023 New template.pdf (theimi.org.uk)
