The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry. The Institute is the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry and the governing body for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.

IMI has launched a Professional Register to represent individuals committed to the highest professional standards and ethical conduct within the automotive industry. IMI members on the Register are now required to commit to, and carry out, CPD activities. To meet the objectives of the Professional Register, a sophisticated online engagement and CPD management tool, linked to the training and development activities of the organisation was required.

IMI identified Premier IT as a leading provider of an established professional development software platform that matched its requirements and awarded them the contract to implement an integrated CPD
and training management system.

Premier IT undertook a detailed specification and scoping project to ensure that IMI’s complex and forward-thinking requirements could be accommodated in a user-friendly, engaging and dynamic system for users and administrators.

Through the implementation of its e-Portfolio (PReP) and training management (TASK Manager) systems, Premier IT provided a single sign-on, modular platform, accessible anytime and anywhere, that enables IMI members to:

• plan, act, record and reflect on their personal development
• access their own online CPD diary, Personal Development Plans (PDP) and reflective learning linked to professional standards
• upload and share resources with other members
• view, book and purchase training courses and resources as part of their CPD programmes
• access intuitive hints and tips throughout the system, including an embedded help video, which can be updated by the IMI itself

The system enables IMI to:

• automate the planning, management, administration and reporting of it’s CPD  programme
• accurately monitor minimum CPD requirements for the Professional Register and easily see how many members are keeping themselves skilled and active in their professional development
• manage a full training programme including courses, resources, bookings, payments and third party training suppliers – directly targeting particular training and development opportunities to support the needs of members

IMI has immediate access to management reports and auditing capabilities. This helps it support its members in meeting the mandatory requirements for the Professional Register. 

Premier IT has developed a system that not only delivers for the IMI by supporting the objectives of the Professional Register, but is also focussed on the learner and developing them along their skills pathway through a seamless, integrated learning portal.

The online CPD and training management system has enabled IMI to establish multiple, sustainable revenue generation streams, improve information workflows throughout the organisation and reduce internal administration costs and inefficiencies. It delivers measurable value for all stakeholders, a measurable return on investment and provides a robust platform for future scalability aligned to IMI’s business plans.