The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), through its Charitable Trust, has teamed up with the Foyer Federation to support a pilot ‘Working Assets’ programme aimed at encouraging young people to join the 730,000 people that work in the automotive industry across the UK.
The established ‘Working Assets’ programme seeks to develop the skills of young people to enable them to be employable, and ultimately independent, adults. SMMT and the Foyer Federation have teamed up on an automotive pilot programme targeted specifically at careers in the UK automotive sector.
The Foyer Federation is a not-for-profit organisation that helps to transform the circumstances of young people who have faced barriers in their lives. Its mission is to turn young people’s experiences of disadvantage into solutions that support their transition to adult independence by developing transformational programmes, such as ‘Working Assets’ that fill gaps in community services and give young people necessary life skills.
SMMT members Ford, Toyota and Unipart have each joined forces with their local Foyer centre to undertake bespoke projects including inductions, training schemes and plant visits as well as hands-on activity such as making corporate DVDs, brochures and involvement with local sustainability projects. The projects are designed to introduce young people to the industry, show the variety of careers it offers and help them develop the skills needed for future employment.
Commenting on the project, SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt said, “The UK automotive industry offers fantastic career opportunities for young people across a huge variety of disciplines from design, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing to retail and aftermarket. This project is a great opportunity to help ensure that all young people can access the employment opportunities of the vibrant and growing auto sector.”
Jane Slowey, Chief Executive of the Foyer Federation added, “Our ‘Working Assets’ employability programme gives young people the opportunity to explore their talents and assets by putting them at the forefront of project design and delivery. Linking ‘Working Assets’ with the automotive industry will enable young people to broaden their horizons and access new places, people and opportunities to open their talents”.
