News & Resources

Toyota opens its doors to inspire students

17 Oct 2011

Young people across Derbyshire got a glimpse of what it is like to work within manufacturing as Toyota Manufacturing UK opened the doors of its vehicle manufacturing plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire to students as part of the government’s pioneering initiative ‘See Inside Manufacturing’.

 The initiative, which was launched in March by Business Secretary, Vince Cable, aims to challenge perceptions that the UK has an outdated manufacturing sector and encourage more young people to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, in order to boost the UK’s skills base.

Tony Walker, TMUK Deputy Managing Director, said, “Toyota welcomes initiatives designed to promote a greater recognition of the contribution and importance of manufacturing to the UK economy. The See Inside Manufacturing initiative complements our existing activities aimed at engaging with young people and encouraging and inspiring them to be the next generation of engineers.”

More than 250 students from educational establishments across the South Derbyshire and Burton region took part in a guided tour of the manufacturing plant including training facilities and assembly lines. Students were given presentations by Toyota apprentices and staff covering all aspects of vehicle manufacture andtook part in a number of ‘hands on’ training activities.

Commenting on the initiative Vince Cable, Business Secretary, “We are determined to shake up old fashioned views of manufacturing and through government’s ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ campaign and the overwhelming support from the automotive industry, we will give young people the chance to see the exciting face of modern manufacturing, which is highly skilled, high tech and highly paid.”

Students visiting on Friday afternoon were joined by South Derbyshire’s MP, Heather Wheeler, who said, “Toyota is one of the many modern manufacturing businesses in South Derbyshire that we are very proud of.  The visit for the young people will show them what a great future they have if they choose this as a career.”

To find out more about ‘See Inside Manufacturing’, click here.

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