The MIRA Technology Institute (MTI) will highlight the importance of new skills that address the needs of Industry 4.0 as the latest in low-carbon innovation is revealed at the LCV2019 technology show next month. The show, organised by the Cenex brings together industry experts and UK decision makers, including representatives from government, to discuss the significant challenges facing the automotive sector. These include addressing skills gaps around the low carbon and air quality agendas which are challenging businesses throughout the automotive supply chain.

Lisa Bingley, Director of Operations at the MTI said,

“Developments in low carbon technology inevitably mean the decline of the internal combustion engine as it currently exists. In order to take advantage of the significant future opportunities within the sector, businesses will need to upskill their workforce and invest now in training and development.

“The Advanced Propulsion Centre’s report on emerging technologies has highlighted the central importance of lightweight technology, traction batteries, traction electric motors and power electronics to the future of vehicle propulsion. As we see innovation increasing within the industry, educators need to step up and keep ahead of skills demands to ensure that their teams’ skills are fit for purpose.”

The MTI is an innovative collaboration between education and industry designed to address skills shortages in the new disruptive technologies surrounding connected and autonomous vehicles and electric cars.

The Advanced Propulsion Centre exists to position the UK as a centre of excellence for low carbon propulsion development and production. LCV2019, due to be held at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford on 4-5 September 2019, is supported by the Automotive Council, the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

The MIRA Technology Institute was developed to provide an innovative solution to the problem of skills shortages within the rapidly-changing automotive sector. Working with education partners in further and higher education, the MTI offers a full spectrum of training opportunities from apprenticeships to bespoke and commercial courses for businesses from across the sector, from SMEs to large organisations.

It provides access to a unique skills escalator, enabling progress to higher and degree level apprenticeships and beyond. This means that, for the first time, individuals can start an apprenticeship at Level 2 or above and progress to PhD level with the same training partnership.

As a dedicated resource for the automotive industry, the training is highly relevant and can be accessed by the full range and size of businesses within the sector including Tier 1 automotive businesses within the supply chain, and major international corporates.

MIRA Technology Institute was built with a £9.5m allocation from the Local Growth Fund, a pot of government funding awarded to the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP) for projects that benefit the local area and economy. The MTI is located within the MIRA Technology Park Enterprise Zone.

Lisa Bingley added,

“The MTI is perfectly placed to help organisations address the skills to support a low carbon future, identify the right training partners and find a clear path through the red tape. I am looking forward to talking to them and urge anybody who is interested to come and talk to me on our partner, Coventry University’s, stand.”

Organisations not attending the show can visit the MTI website, call 024 7693 5680 or email enquiries@miratechnologyinstitute.co.uk