The King’s Speech: Automotive skills must be a priority

• The Institute of the Motor Industry highlights key issues for the sector ahead of the State Opening of Parliament, 17th July 2024

The Labour Party clearly identified its understanding of the importance of skills for UK infrastructure in its manifesto; it was also the only party with a dedicated Automotive policy which recognised the contribution the motor industry will play in achieving net zero goals.

Currently, the automotive training workforce is severely under-resourced, and the pipeline of new talent is not being adequately filled by new apprenticeships. The Labour Party proposed a Youth Guarantee to provide access to training for all 18- to 21-year-olds which the IMI hopes will include a focus on the automotive sector. The proposed replacement of the Apprenticeship Levy with a Growth and Skills Levy could also give businesses the flexibility they need to spend their levy funds to deliver apprenticeship programmes as well as access modular training to equip existing staff with the skills they will need for the future. The IMI is therefore keenly waiting to see how much focus these issues will receive in The King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament on 17th July 2024.

“The automotive industry is a mainstay of the UK economy, and social infrastructure providing 866,000 jobs and £37 billion GVA in 2023,” stated Kevin Finn, Executive Chairman of the IMI. “With 21,000 vacancies and critical skill gaps in EVs and ADAS, urgent support is needed to maintain road safety and meet government goals. The IMI will continue to work closely with the relevant ministers and departments that will influence future education, skills and automotive policies, representing the interests of our members and the wider road-using public to ensure UK automotive remains a global leader.”