IMI taps into Chinese skills base

The IMI has established a dedicated team in Shanghai with the long-term aim of easing the skills shortage in the UK automotive sector.

It has worked on a project with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and China Government to train teachers and students.

Meanwhile, the IMI also took part in the UK Skills and Chartered Bodies Trade Mission to China, led by the Department for Business & Trade, to promote the UK skills sector and increase education exports in China, while helping to enable and facilitate partnerships between China and the UK.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said: “It is our vision to build a diverse, skilled, adaptable and professional automotive workforce across the globe to underpin economic infrastructure. We are, therefore, excited to be taking that to the next stage by providing skills training for automotive professionals in China.

“Joining the Trade Mission to China, alongside key stakeholders from across the UK and China, provided unique opportunities for networking and discussion with potential future partners.”

Jonathan Ledger, skills and professional bodies specialist, international education at the Department for Business and Trade, added: “The IMI’s approach to future-facing skills development in the automotive and allied sectors is not only crucial to the UK economy, but also to China’s. IMI qualifications are world-class and that is what makes them the first-choice qualifications globally.”