News & Resources

UK automotive delivers impressive support as See Inside Manufacturing initiative returns

1 Jun 2012

Throughout June, around 30 UK automotive sites will open their doors to young people, as part of government’s ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative, aiming to challenge perceptions of the industry and encourage more students to consider a career in engineering.

Automotive companies across theUKwill host a range of hands-on activities designed to highlight the career opportunities within one of theUK’s most diverse industries. Part of a comprehensive national programme of events, theUKautomotive sector is set to inspire the next generation of budding engineers.

Launched by government and supported through the Automotive Council, the motor industry pioneered the very first ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative last year, providing students with a valuable insight to modern manufacturing.

The initiative aims to challenge perceptions that theUKhas an outdated manufacturing sector and encourage more young people to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, in order to boost theUK’s skills base. Students and teachers who responded to a survey of last year’s automotive pilot were exceptionally positive leading Business Secretary, Vince Cable, to announce its return and expansion to the aerospace, defence, and food and drink sectors.

Speaking on behalf of the automotive sector, Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Despite the economic challenges, these are exciting times for everyone in the UK automotive sector. Our industry continues to attract high levels of international investment, maintaining the country’s position right at the heart of global low carbon technology innovation. With investment, government support and a wealth of new innovative products set to be built here, there’s never been a better time to pursue an automotive career.”

Business Minister Mark Prisk said, “See Inside Manufacturing is about changing perceptions of modern manufacturing and showing young people, teachers and careers advisers that the industry offers interesting and rewarding job opportunities.

“I’m delighted that SMMT and the automotive sector are once again pledging their support to the programme following the successful trial last year. It’s encouraging to have iconic names like Allied Vehicles, Aston Martin, BMW, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover all signing up to take part.

“Last year thousands of people got to see just what exciting opportunities lie in the sector and wider supply chain, and I urge people to come along and see for themselves what modern manufacturing is all about.”

More than 700,000 people are employed across design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, aftermarket and retail sectors with UK engineers and executives respected around the world. Industry takes on thousands of automotive apprentices each year and looks to initiatives such as See Inside Manufacturing to ensure it continues to attract the best and brightest young talent.

To find out the activities that major automotive companies, Aisin UK, Allied Vehicles, Aston Martin, BMW, Calsonic Kansei, Caterpillar, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, JewelUltra, Lotus, Michelin, Millbrook, MINI, Rolls-Royce, Schaeffler and Vauxhall, are staging in June as part of the ‘See Inside’ programme, click here.

This entry was posted in News & Resources, See Inside Manufacturing. Bookmark the permalink. Comments are closed, but you can leave a trackback: Trackback URL.