Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA. And it’s critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.
The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. Read more about this here.
Meet the women of the IMI
Did you know that 58% of the workforce at the IMI are women? Let’s meet some of them and ask them what made them choose their journey in #MotorCareers. Managers, Technical Experts, Finance and Team Leaders.
Pam Phillippo – Product Specialist
What does your job involve? Design and development of assessment, training, and support materials, including:
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- Apprenticeships
- Qualification units and structures
- Accredited Assessment products
- Skills and knowledge assessments
- eLearning solutions.
I have responsibility for the non-technical portfolio of products, including Retail, Management, Customer Service, Sales, and Vehicle Parts.
The best part of my job is… Working with a great team of people. Seeing qualifications that I’ve developed ‘go live’ and reach the market.
What qualifications do you need to have to do your job? GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics, and IT. Assessor Award, plus a Management qualification at Level 3 or above.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? I’ve worked in the education sector for over 25 years. I started off lecturing in FE and HE, and then worked for another Awarding Organisation developing a wide range of qualifications, assessments and products across a number of different sectors. The bonus with working for the IMI has been the ability to cut out a major commute and to work from home.
When I was 16 years old, I wanted to be a… Physiotherapist.
Any advice or top tips you would give someone on joining a traditionally male dominated industry? Keep an open mindset. Automotive may traditionally be seen as a male dominated industry but the landscape is evolving. If you’re feeling daunted by the prospect, don’t be!
Emma Carrigy 
– Research and Insight Manager
What does your job involve? Providing research and insight about and to the automotive sector. Creating surveys, managing focus groups and developing data insights that will be used to understand business performance and member behaviour
The best part of my job is… Getting under the ‘bonnet’ and attempting to understand what is happening in the automotive sector. Plus I love a good excel spreadsheet !
What qualifications do you need to have to do your job? I have an Masters degree in the Economics of Education which although not necessary is extremely useful in understanding the relationship between education, skills and employment. A degree in the maths, statistics or economics is probably the most helpful qualification for the role.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? An agency headhunted me via my LinkedIn profile
When I was 16 years old I wanted to be a… A theatre make-up artist or a drama teacher
Any advice or top tips you would give someone on joining a traditionally male dominated industry? Just be you ! Don’t think “I need to be more masculine or feminine” and let your skills do the talking
Ellie Hutchin – Marketing Executive 
What does your job involve? My job involves, social media management, advertising strategies/budgets/execution, copywriting and proof reading, events support, designing and design support, running and supporting major business campaigns, email marketing, and much more.
The best part of my job is… The variation, no day is the same and it means I get to develop and master lots of different skills as I work.
What qualifications do you need to have to do your job? I have a bachelor’s degree, and I will also be completing an extra Marketing Qualification with the CIM through the company too.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? I found the job advertised on Indeed, after being made redundant from a Mercedes Trucks Franchise, continuing in the Motor Industry seemed to make sense. Before here I fell into my first marketing role 6 years ago via a uni work experience placement, where I interned for 3 months, then was taken on full-time as I realised I was actually quite good at marketing and I enjoyed it. Then joined MBTUK to be part of a larger organisation – I was familiar with the IMI as MBUK is one of our approved centres, so when I saw the job I went for it!
When I was 16 years old I wanted to be a… pop star… but the IMI is close enough! We’re all superstars here
Any advice or top tips you would give someone on joining a traditionally male dominated industry?
- Never be afraid to be outspoken.
- Stand your ground where you need to.
- You are always good enough!
- Have a ‘screw the stereotypes’ mindset.
Georgia Murnane – Community Manager
What does your job involve? I manage all of the IMI’s online and live event activity & will manage IMI Connect our new online community platform.
The best part of my job is…Working with my IMI colleagues, meeting IMI members at events & seeing guests enjoying an event I have organised.
What qualification do you need to have to do what you do? Good GCSEs and higher education grades at least 2 years event management experience and I’m currently working on my L4 apprenticeship in Community Management.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? I previously worked in events and managed volunteers for the IT industry in London, I came to the IMI as I wanted to be more local and the IMI offered me progression and further learning.
When I was 16 I wanted to be a…professional party planner
Stephanie Warnes – People Support & Development Manager
What does your job involve? People Support and Development Manager – I support the management and development of all IMI staff so all things Learning and Development. I’m also involved with a lot of change projects supporting our Head of HR & Business Support. There are some generalist HR aspects to my role such as GDPR and employee benefits too.
The best part of my job is…Creating training content and finding new and fun ways to help the different styles of learning our employees have.
What qualification do you need to have to do what you do? Nothing is needed but I did a Masters in Occupational Psychology which was extremely helpful and I still use my textbooks 10 years on! CIPD accreditation is also beneficial and most companies look for this as it provides a standard benchmark of HR knowledge. Nothing beats experience though, even a weeks’ worth of work experience in an HR department during a holiday will be valuable.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? My passion is L&D but having always been in the HR world I have gained a few other skills, the role at the IMI was unique as it wasn’t just L&D but incorporated all of the areas I have worked in. I couldn’t not apply and luckily felt like I was already part of the team during the interview!
When I was 16 I wanted to be a…vet, I still want to be a vet as I love animals so much but I tend to faint or be sick at the sight of needles and blood!
Kim Wenman – Registered Member Engagement Team Leader
What does your job involve? Team Leader for the membership department, bringing in new members and member retention. Also, CPD sales in particular EV training courses which are relevant at the moment.
The best part of my job is…Interacting and helping members or customer of the Motor Industry
What qualification do you need to have to do what you do? None, I have over 20 years’ experience in the Motor Industry
How did you get into your job with the IMI? Via a recruitment agency, who recommended the IMI and the suitability to my experience.
When I was 16 I wanted to be a…Air Hostess
Joanne Armstong – Web and Systems Technical Expert
What does your job involve? My job consists of supporting the business with our bespoke systems and ensuring that content is up-to-date on the website, I also assist with web projects.
The best part of my job is…Interacting with the business helping to resolve their issues.
What qualification do you need to have to do what you do? Any form of IT specific to web, however I was self-taught.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? An agency contacted me and thought I would be great for the job.
When I was 16 I wanted to be a…I knew I wanted to get into Information Technology, but didn’t know which area, I soon realised when the World Wide Web (now called the internet) became a big thing.
Sharon Flynn – Finance Assistant, Supplier, Payments and Receipts
What does your job involve? Accounts Admin, processing customer receipts and purchase ledger invoices & payments.
The best part of my job is… Watching the money come in!!!!
What qualification do you need to have to do what you do? At my level no qualifications really needed but a good Sage knowledge.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? I started as a temp and was made permanent 9 months later and that was 10 years ago
When I was 16 I wanted to be a…I really wanted to be a Nurse but my exam grades were quite poor so I went straight into office work.
Nishma Harris – Assessment Services Manager
What does your job involve? Managing and monitoring key stages of the End-Point Assessment journey with a team, for providers and apprentices as well as overseeing the apprenticeship certification body role on behalf of FISSS for apprenticeships across other nations, Wales, Scotland and previously England with Frameworks. My job involves improving delivery of services and systems whilst ensuring regulatory requirements and conditions are met to stay current and complaint on the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisation and maintain status as certification body inline with FISSS regulations.
The best part of my job is…Working with passionate individuals and teams within an ever changing sector and knowing what we do has a positive impact for those working for the industry
What qualification do you need to have to do what you do? No specific requirements required for my role other than GCSEs, however I have achieved Management and Leadership Level 5 qualification during my role.
How did you get into your job with the IMI? Recommendation through a previous IMI colleague
When I was 16 I wanted to be a…Beauty Therapist
Your next steps…
If you want to start your journey in #MotorCareers take a look at the 200+ job roles available to you in the automotive industry explore your options here
To find out about job roles at the IMI please visit https://jobs.theimi.org.uk/