SMMT celebrates scheme to up-skill young people

Yesterday (25 November) UK automotive industry representatives celebrated the achievements of more than 70 young people in the third iteration of an initiative to enhance skills in the automotive sector. The ‘Working Assets’ initiative, funded through SMMT’s Charitable Trust and delivered by the Foyer Federation, offers young people who have experienced disadvantage an exciting opportunity to develop their skills in one of the UK’s most vibrant industrial sectors.

Residents of four Foyers across the country undertook work programmes at four SMMT members’ manufacturing operations, engaging in a range of activities to enhance their long-term employability. Hosting the participants were Ford’s Technical Centre in Basildon, Essex; BMW’s MINI plant in Swindon; Toyota’s car factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire; and Unipart Manufacturing in Coventry.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The UK automotive sector employs more than three quarters of a million people, a number that is growing following significant investments by the industry. Working with the Foyer Federation in the ‘Working Assets’ programme has been a privilege and we are pleased to have been able to offer this unique stepping stone to employment for some of those who have faced challenges in their lives.”

Jane Slowey, chief executive of the Foyer Federation, added: “We are really pleased to see this important and innovative programme develop and improve with each year. For the third year in a row, the partnership has offered a flexible and engaging programme to young people which stimulates their interest in the automotive industry and boosts their employability in the process”.

In recognition of their achievements, each young person celebrated in the ceremony – held at SMMT’s Westminster headquarters – was given a certificate. Also acclaimed were the contributions of the local Foyers, as well as the individual manufacturers, to the success of the scheme.

This year, as an added attraction to young people interested in the industry, the partnership between SMMT and the Foyer Federation expanded activities to running a Pop Up Talent Shop at SMMT’s headquarters in October. Part of the Pop Up Talent programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Shop mixed over 40 young people with professionals from the automotive industry to apply their skills in taster sessions and find out more about routes into the sector.