90% think a licence is essential for public safety because the modern day motor vehicle is as hi-tech as a Boeing 747.
Yet absolutely ANYONE can work on one…
Waiting for parliament to act, IMI has launched the Professional Register; it’s a searchable database that helps motorist to identify qualified and trustworthy motor vehicle technicians in their area.
IMI wants an official licence to practise. After all, if you need a licence to work on a boiler, why not a motor vehicle? Both are potentially lethal if not properly maintained!
Are MPs out of touch?
While MPs recognise the number of jobs the motor industry provides, a recent poll conducted by the IMI showed that MPs were out of touch with the automotive sector, with more than half suggesting the work was low skilled, low paid, and dirty.
IMI wants MPs to see the industry differently. Motor vehicles today are packed with modern technology and to maintain them you need to be a computer technician and an electronics expert, as much as you need to know one end of a spanner from the other.
Ask your MP to support our campaign.
The motor industry is a serious business
The automotive retail sector is vital to the smooth running of the UK. It is at the heart of the economy, keeping 35.3million UK-registered cars, motorcycles and trucks on the road, and transporting goods, people and services. The industry connects to almost everyone in Britain.
The industry is a substantial generator of wealth for the UK, turning over £150billion and generating £25billion gross value added (GVA) from vehicle sales, maintenance, repair, recovery, parts distribution, leasing and rental. More than 500,000 people are employed in the automotive supply, sales and servicing sector. Not only that, but skilled trades make up a far higher proportion of the automotive retail industry workforce compared to UK industry generally.
IMI is ready to administer licencing scheme for the Government
In 2006 IMI launched the Automotive Technician Accreditation scheme. Now called IMI Accreditation, it tests the current skills and competence of individuals working in the Motor industry.
In 2013 IMI launched the Professional Register. It provides consumers access to an online database of technicians and other motor industry professionals in their area, and ensures they are putting their vehicle into skilled, competent and trustworthy hands. www.imiregister.org.uk
Together these form a voluntary licence to practise, but despite our efforts consumers are still avoiding regular servicing because of cost fears and trust issues. 60% vehicles fail the MOT test.
When Government authorises a licence for motor industry technicians, IMI is ready to administer the scheme to save time and taxpayers' money.