Institute of the Motor Industry CEO responds to election apprenticeship promises

With the General Election campaign well and truly underway apprenticeships has emerged as one of the key talking points, with each party having something to say on providing opportunities for young people in the workplace.

With skills shortages and talent pipelining a key issue for the motor industry Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has given his thoughts on the manifestos of the main political parties.

“It’s tremendously encouraging to see that every political party is making a commitment to the concept of apprenticeships.  But we do have a concern about whether the real thinking has been done behind the promises.  The competition between parties on apprenticeships is serious and has the potential to damage the brand of apprenticeships.  Particularly as there are some glaring errors that demonstrate a fundamental lack of understanding about what they actually are – and what role they can play in tackling both the employment and skills challenges of the UK.