The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed the announcement by Business Secretary, Vince Cable, that the ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ pilot scheme ,launched in 2011, will continue.
UK automotive staged the very first ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative last year and, with over 30 automotive companies opening their doors to young people and employment advisors, response from participants has been universally positive. This year’s ‘See Inside’ is set to follow the success of the pilot with major marques Bentley, BMW, MINI and Michelin confirming participation.Mark Prisk, Business Minister, said, “It’s great news that we are rolling out ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ following a successful trial last year. We are proud to have the automotive industry sign up once again to this scheme, where they will now be joined by the food and drink, aerospace and defence industries.
“We want to demonstrate the true value of manufacturing, and this will give young people the chance to see the exciting face of modern manufacturing – highly skilled, high-tech and highly paid.”
Survey results from SEMITA, the sector skills council for manufacturing and engineering that worked with government and industry to assess the impact of the 2011 pilot, showed the campaign’s success in attracting young talent. Over half of those of school age who attended an event said they would now consider a career in the industry, and more than 80 per cent of teachers and careers advisors would now advise a career in UK automotive manufacturing.
Currently, UK automotive employs more than 700,000 people, nearly 200,000 in manufacturing roles across design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, aftermarket and retail sectors, and last year took on over 14,000 apprentices.
Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “From design to production, the automotive sector presents a fantastic range of career opportunities for young people at all levels. The UK is home to some of the world’s most productive manufacturing facilities and exciting technological innovations. Initiatives like ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ give young people contemplating their future a real chance to experience firsthand the diversity of our industry and the potential jobs and rewards it can offer. Attracting the brightest talent to our sector will be crucial to maintaining and improving the UK’s role in a fast moving global industry.”
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