WITH government taking steps in the last week to flatten the curve of the coronavirus, the role of local garages to ensure that key workers can travel safely in roadworthy vehicles has been underlined as they have been designated one of the essential services.
Steve Nash, Chief Executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry said the IMI has been focused on providing members with support to ensure they can maintain their professional standards during this challenging time.
He added: “In particular, a focused working group has been adapting our support tools to ensure that the learners who have been working hard over the last few months and years to achieve their qualifications and accreditations will not be at a disadvantage simply because of the current situation.”
Key initiatives include:
Qualifications and End Point Assessments:
The IMI is working very closely with regulators and government bodies to ensure it can effectively support learners that are due to achieve qualifications and Apprenticeship End Point Assessments in the coming weeks and months. This includes looking at options of using more technology, where appropriate to deliver assessments remotely.
Extension to Accreditation Expiry Dates:
The IMI has also extended the renewal dates for individuals who have an IMI Accreditation due to be renewed. This aims to enable time for IMI centres to plan re-accreditation events, following what will hopefully be a short term impact on a large number of educational organisations staying at home.
Supporting IMI Partners with On-Line eLearning:
Any IMI Partners that had previously only accessed IMI eLearning off-line have been given online access for the next 6 months, so that they can support their learners remotely.
Digital Certificates:
Providing instant access to claimed certificates, the IMI has made a full switch to digital certification.
Nash said: “These are incredibly challenging times for everyone. But we know that our role at the IMI is to ensure we support our members and IMI Centres to best manage their current operational needs. That includes operating our Legal Helpline to assist any members who are concerned about their working conditions or employment contract.”
The IMI’s Business Development and External Quality Teams, which are set up to fully function remotely, have also been maintaining contact with all IMI key accounts to offer all possible support.
In particular there is a focus on maintaining the flow of information so that the IMI’s Network of Approved Centres can continue to deliver progression and certification for learners wherever possible.
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