A little support goes a long way

The Skillmiles scheme was launched two years ago by the IMI as a pioneering way to recognise the support given to aid skills development across the automotive sector.  It also provides a meaningful way to acknowledge the support and pay tribute to those actively making a difference to the industry.  The Skillmiles programme is a point system. You can earn Skillmiles for any quantifiable service which furthers the IMI's programme of the progression of skills in the motor industry.

Every service to the motor industry is quantifiable; we have developed a novel way of recognising and rewarding any action, activity, or resource that you give to the IMI.  Skillmiles allows us to measure not only financial contributions, but also, and crucially, non-financial contributions, be it your time, your knowledge, your skills, your experience, or any other material or non-material resources that you might put towards furthering the motor industry's skills agenda.

In 2009, 118,000 Skillmiles points were awarded to over 140 organisations registered on the database and when this is added to the total awarded in 2008, it's the equivalent of over £2 million worth of support from across the sector for the benefit to the industry as a whole.

What is the Skillmiles programme?

The Skillmiles programme is a point system. You can earn Skillmiles for any quantifiable service which furthers the IMI's programme of the progression of skills in the motor industry. Every service to the motor industry is quantifiable; we have developed a novel way of recognising and rewarding any action, activity, or resource that you give to the IMI.

Skillmiles allows us to measure not only financial contributions, but also, and crucially, non-financial contributions, be it your time, your knowledge, your skills, your experience, or any other material or non-material resources that you might put towards furthering the motor industry's skills agenda.

Click here to watch a video explaining more about the programme.  (This can take up to 5 minutes to download)

Why has the IMI developed the Skillmiles programme?

There is a famous management saying "What gets measured gets done". We firmly believe in this maxim. We would like to turn it around and take it one step further:

"What gets done gets measured. And recognised."

With the Skillmiles programme, the IMI has established a novel way of measuring employer' contributions to the development and future orientation of their industry. Part of the IMI's remit is to demonstrate to the Government the degree of employer commitment to, and involvement with, their Sector Skills Council. In the past, only monetary contributions were measured. This was partly because of government regulations and partly because it was deemed impossible to quantify non-monetary contributions.

At the IMI, we believe that many employers have made substantial non-monetary contributions to the industry over the past years, without receiving the appropriate recognition for their efforts. We see the Skillmiles programme as a major opportunity to measure what employers contribute to the industry, way beyond financial assistance.

How do Skillmiles work?

Individuals and organisations who contribute towards the declared goals of the sector through the voice of the IMI, with contributions in kind or in monetary value, will receive a number of Skillmiles in return for their effort.

How can I earn Skillmiles?

Any contribution to promoting Skillmiles, knowledge and/or qualification in the industry through the IMI entitles the contributor to a number of Skillmiles, depending on the defined and/or agreed size of the donation. Monetary contributions can earn Skillmiles. To qualify, payments must be made direct to the IMI in support of its work for the sector.

Please refer to the value of action table below.

Skillmiles value of action

Click here for larger version of table

 


We recommend you print this file for viewing later.

What about redeeming Skillmiles?

Skillmiles are a form of honorary recognition for services rendered to the automotive industry. They are a way of highlighting your commitment to the motor industry as a whole. There is no redemption for Skillmiles. We all carry some accountability for taking the motor industry into the future and the Skillmiles programme is designed to recognise this and encourage further actions.

Each year, the IMI holds a Skillmiles Recognition Awards ceremony at the IMI Annual Dinner to celebrate and recognise that year's biggest achievements and contributors to the industry in the presence of the Institute's Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and hosted by Sarah Sillars OBE, Executive Chair of the IMI. 

Click on the image to watch a video of the event and hear individuals from across the industry talk about Skillmiles. (This can take up to 5 minutes to download)

How can I get on the Skillmiles programme?

Signing up is simple through the IMI website or send a request via email to skillmiles@motor.org.uk or to johns@motor.org.uk

Skillmiles leaflet (pdf)