News and Events

Soundings Taken On Revised National Occupational Standards

IMI/Automotive Skills NOS managers Beverley Lilley and Glenn Cutter visited Scotland to listen to comments and opinions around the proposed revisions to the occupational standards for the industry. Beverley met with the Scottish Employers forum, hearing first hand the concerns that employers have with regard to the training needs of the sector, whilst Glenn had the opportunity to discuss the changes with colleges and training providers who will be delivering qualifications to the revised standards. Glenn also held discussions with representatives of the Scottish Motorsport scene to find out what they felt should be included in a brand new suite of standards, specifically designed for those working in the preparation and maintenance of competition vehicles.

All of the current standards are being reviewed as part of a regular updating process to ensure that they adequately reflect the skills and knowledge needed to work in the industry. Several gaps in the current standards portfolio for the sector will also be filled with the introduction of new standards in areas such as Motorsport , Fork Lift and Trailer Maintenance. The revisions are planned to be complete by early 2009, with new qualifications, which are developed from the standards, being in place for September 2009.

To find out more and have your say visit
www.motor.org.uk/standards-and-qualifications/nos-consultation

Scottish Employer Forum Visits Holyrood

In a first for a Sector Skills Council, members of the IMI Scottish Employer Forum held their forum meeting in the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. Topics covered included a new Automotive Skills for Work qualification for school pupils, Automotive Manager Accreditation and the National Occupational Standards review. Members were also given an update on the Apprenticeship (Scotland) Bill from host for the visit, and author of the bill, John Park MSP. The meeting also gave an opportunity to discuss directly with government several issues of concern for employers, particularly around funding levels for training. John was keen to hear of the issues for the motor sector during these hard economic times and asked that he is kept informed of any areas where his support can be of assistance.
Members were also given a private tour of the parliament building with an open invitation to return.

Scottish Achievers Recognised

Paul Abbey, the UK Skillauto champion from Gattonside near Melrose was amongst 60 young people from across Scotland recognised for their achievements in Skills competitions. Paul who trained at Borders College was presented with a gold medal from triple gold medal Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy and Maureen Watt MSP, Minister for Schools and Skills at an event held in Perth.

Ms Watt said:

"We want to ensure our young people have the right skills to help them grow as individuals and help our economy to grow. This is particularly important in these tough economic times when we need to ensure our workforce is sufficiently skilled to meet the rapidly changing needs of businesses.

These talented young students have shown that they have the ability, determination and drive to both succeed in the workplace and to help build a better future for themselves and for Scotland.

"I want to congratulate them and their tutors on their hard work. I hope that in receiving their medals from Chris Hoy that they too are inspired to continue to go for gold in the training for their future careers."

Paul is currently in the selection squad for the UK team competing at the Worldskills competition in Canada next year.

Registration is now open for those interested in competing for next years Skillauto title. You can find out more about the competitions at www.skillauto.co.uk