UK Institute of the Motor Industry warns that proposed apprenticeship reform could harm public safety

The United Kingdom’s Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and automotive employees have written the government warning that proposed apprenticeship reforms could dilute the rigor needed for public safety. 

Last year, the United Kingdom proposed reform to the apprenticeship assessment to create what the UK has called a more flexible, streamlined, and proportionate system. The reforms replace end-point assessment (EPA) with a new model that allows assessment to take place at any stage of the apprenticeship, rather than only at the end. 

IMI recently wrote an open letter to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden expressing concerns and providing suggestions. 

Those who signed the letter include LKQ, Hendy Group, Suzuki, SOE, Eden Motor Group, Vertu, and DAF Trucks, a press release states. Retired officials from Jaguar Land Rover and Peugeot also signed the letter. 

“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,” states Nick Connor, IMI chief executive, in the letter. “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.”

Conner added that the current proposals risk compromising the quality, integrity, or safety of technical and safety critical occupations within the motor industry. 

The release adds that IMI believes the changes could also increase safety risks, not only for the public, but for technicians. 

“This is absolutely the wrong time for the automotive sector – and road users – for the apprenticeship process to be diluted,” Conner states. “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.” 

The release states that employer-led recommendations have been diluted or overridden during the approval and reform process. 

Employers call for the government to maintain the rigor of the assessment, protect the depth and quality of the training and ensure that standards reflect the safety-critical nature of automotive roles, the release states. It adds that they also ask that the government continue to place employers at the center of apprenticeship standards. 

“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,” Conner said. “We are calling on the Secretary of State to listen to employers, protect quality, and get this reform right.”

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Photo courtesy of IMI