IGA emphasises the importance of new apprentices to the industry

Speaking at this evening’s Automechanika Garage Awards, Stuart James, Independent Garage Association (IGA) CEO, urges independent garages to take on an apprentice and encourage young people to start a career in the automotive sector.

Speaking at the event, James states, “Such a chronic shortage of skilled, competent, technicians is indicative of years of ignorance in political and educational circles; ignorance that encouraged, and even drove, generations of young adults down a route to further education, to the detriment of the vital craft skills that this great country of ours was built on.

“The inevitability of Brexit has seen the numbers of migrant workers decrease, as many are leaving the UK for more secure environments. So, I urge you, now is the time to consider growing your own; breathing new life into the industry by taking on an apprentice. The new three-year apprenticeship standard is now settled in and apprentices will not achieve the qualification until they are proven to be competent.

“To ensure the long-term future, it is beholden on all of us that have earned a living in this industry to change the public’s perceptions of the sector. We need to highlight the high-tech nature of the modern motor vehicle, and show that we can provide a clear path to those looking to advance their career; those future technicians that have a passion for fixing things, because that’s what brought most of us into this sector in the first place.

“The future won’t be bright for all garages, but for those garages that choose to engage, garages that care about the future and invest in tools, training and equipment, garages like the ones that we are recognising here today, there is a very bright future ahead.”

The Automechanika Garage of the Year Awards took place on Wednesday 5th June 2019 at the National Motorcycle museum.

The IGA is the headline sponsor of the awards and would like to congratulate this year’s winners.