National Apprenticeship Week: The IMI calls for urgency over critical reforms in apprenticeship funding

6% drop in automotive apprenticeship startsⁱ reported, as the Education Committee launches new inquiry to make the education system fit for the future

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (10th-14th February 2025), the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is calling for urgency over reforms for apprenticeship funding. The professional body believes this is critical to ensure a robust skills pipeline can meet the automotive sector’s future needs, which are integral to the government’s net zero targets.

The IMI’s latest data shows that the automotive training workforce continues to be severely under-resourced and the pipeline of new talent is not being adequately filled by new apprenticeships. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 7,372 automotive apprenticeship starts, 6% lower than in 2022/23.

The IMI’s call comes as the Education Committee launches a new inquiry that will see parliamentarians investigate how the entire further education system could better equip young people with skills and qualifications for a range of sectors experiencing labour shortagesⁱⁱ. This is essential for the automotive sector which continues to be challenged by a significant skills gap. Innovation advances including electric vehicles, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and hydrogen all require new skills to ensure UK roads remain safe.

Crucially, the inquiry will examine apprenticeships, Skills England’s role, and reforms to T Levels and BTECs, while also addressing workforce pressures, including the pay gap, lecturer shortages, and their impact on technical education quality.

Whilst this new inquiry offers hope to over 300,000 young adults seeking tangible career opportunities, the IMI believes there remains a lack of clarity as to what government will deliver and, vitally, when. It is therefore urging its members to write to their local MP to raise the issue and has created a letter that can be downloaded via the IMI website for this purpose.

With National Apprenticeship Week spotlighting the opportunities available to those considering workplace training, funding certainty is vital. National Apprenticeship Week is a key opportunity to champion the value of apprenticeships within the automotive sector and their role in addressing the skills gaps, as well as driving innovation and fostering career growth.

Committed to supporting students, employers, educators and policymakers, the IMI provides resources, tools, and guidance that unlock the full potential of apprenticeships. For more information visit theimi.org.uk/apprenticeships-epa.

ⁱIMI Education Report – Apprenticeship starts 2023-24

ⁱⁱhttps://committees.parliament.uk/committee/203/education-committee/news…