The Institute of the Motor Industry aims to double apprenticeship numbers in the sector over the next five years.

The IMI, the sector skills council and professional association for the automotive industry, said a 100% increase in the number of apprentices joining the retail motor industry was crucial to avert a major skills crisis in the sector.

According to the Learning and Skills Council's "Working Futures" research, the automotive retail sector will have a total 'replacement requirement' of up to 120,000 people in all disciplines across the industry over the next decade. Motor retail businesses in England already have more than 11,000 vacancies, of which nearly half are for highly skilled technicians, prompting a number of employers to recruit from countries such as Poland, Australia and New Zealand.

Spearheading an industry-wide campaign in 2008 aimed at school pupils from Year 9, parents, teachers, careers advisors, colleges and training providers, as well as engaging employers across the sector, the IMI wants 40,000 'home grown' apprentices in the automotive sector by 2013.

The IMI has announced that it has reduced its apprenticeship administration charges by 40% with immediate effect.

The IMI's pledge coincides with the government's announcement to increase apprenticeships across all industry sectors from 250,000 now to more than 400,000 by 2010/11 with over £1bn in additional funding.