The IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) has called on the automotive industry to future proof business by employing apprentices.

The call comes following on from research which shows that far from being a cost burden on a motor trade business, taking on an apprentice has positive financial implications. The UK based research by the IMI says that by the end of their third year, a well-recruited apprentice can generate between 150% and 300% return on investment. This means that for every Euro invested, the business nets between €1.50 and €3.00. It also makes the point that typically a new apprentice will generate profit within 18 to 24 months, much earlier than generally assumed.

The research project was jointly funded by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and set out to ascertain the level of return on investment on employing an apprentice and make the economic case for doing so. The study included both small independent garages and franchised dealers.

IMI CEO Steve Nash, commented, “Businesses must overcome their doubts about employing young people and invest in the future if our industry is to succeed as a whole. Overwhelmingly, the results from our recent study have shown that there is a clear financial return to the business within the apprenticeship, but the attitude and support of the employer to the apprentice is critically important. By giving a young person opportunities to apply their skills they will ultimately become better and more productive technicians much earlier than commonly perceived.”