RETAILERS and car dealers have been told supporting them is a top priority by their industry body, the IMI.
The organisation is thus working on a series of measures to help retailers deal with the recession.
These include helping apprentices who have been made redundant part way through their placements. This ensures they can continue and compete their qualifications.
It also offers advice to apprentice employers – the IMI can advise on means to save money without cutting jobs.
The IMI is also running a series of training days. The first is to help women working in the sector, and will be run at the following locations:
•   9 February – Milton Keynes
•   12 March – Reading
The second training event will help people looking to improve their career progression, or aid those who have been unemployed and want to return into the industry.
Two dates have been announced: 17 February and 24 February. Locations are to be confirmed, but the course content will include:
•   Personal development planning
•   Training needs
•   Impression management
•   CV writing
•   Interview techniques
Lesley Woolley, head of professional development at the IMI, said: ‘These training sessions are specifically aimed at helping those in our sector improve their skills in the job market.
‘We understand that with rising consumer expectations, the current economic climate, and difficult trading conditions faced by the automotive industry, the need for competent, ethical individuals has never been more crucial.’
Interested? Send an e-mail to [email protected]
