Training for a career in the sector has just been given a boost with the launch of a new bursary from the Fellowship of the Motor Industry (FMI).

Designed to help motor industry trainees, students and apprentices through their studies, the three year bursary will form part of a sponsorship package with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

Funds to be provided by the FMI will contribute to the cost of training, books and other learning materials and expenses to help trainees manage the costs of their study.

The initiative marks a first for the fellowship, which has run a programme of social events to keep senior motor industry professionals in touch with the industry and each other for more than 80 years. The FMI also fund-raises for BEN, the motor trade and industry charity.

FMI chairman Peter Lewis-Jones said: “This is an innovation for the FMI. We have always sought to develop a sense of fellowship amongst colleagues in the motor trade and industry, both past and present, and now most definitely we will be expanding our work to those who are the future of our great industry.”

The bursary will be awarded to the winner of the IMI’s Outstanding Technical Student, Light Vehicle Category training scheme. The IMI will monitor student performance and ensure the appropriate use of the funds to gain maximum benefit for the winning student.

The FMI bursary programme, will initially run for three years. The winner of each year’s award will be announced at the IMI’s annual awards event held in October.