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April marked a pivotal moment in the automotive industry with the successful launch of the very first Automotive Work Experience Week (AWE24), a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the School of Thought Automotive, The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), and Autotech Academy.
Designed to directly get to the heart of the current 22,000+ skills gap, AWE24 received an overwhelming response with over 8,000 website visits during the week which ran from 15th April - 19th April.
Over 100 work experience placements were also registered for young people to take in 2024.
The IMI, School of Thought Automotive, and Autotech Academy are now looking to build on this momentum and are issuing a call to action for an additional 50 automotive businesses to sign up and pledge a week's work experience by 31st July so there is a full pipeline of opportunities, ready for when the new school year starts in September.
“We were delighted with the success of the inaugural Automotive Work Experience Week (AWE24),” comments Dave Reece, founder of the School of Thought Automotive. “Byproviding hands-on work experience, we can transform the image of the automotive sector, presenting it as a vibrant and appealing career choice for young people. There was a fantastic level of interest from the industry, and many signed up to offer at least one young person a week’s experience. We are now calling on more businesses to sign up.”
While mitigating the current skills shortage is vital, creating a strong pipeline of talent is crucial for the industry's longevity. Work experience provides a unique opportunity to shine a light on the diverse and rewarding career paths available within the automotive industry.
Signing up is straightforward and quick, offering businesses a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the automotive industry while discovering potential future talents.
For more information on how to sign up visit Work Experience – Automotive School of Thought (schoolofthoughtautomotive.co.uk)
School of Thought Automotive was established in 2019 as a not-for-profit organisation to elevate the profile of the automotive industry in school years 9-10/11, targeting pupils, parents, and educational institutions. The IMI works with educators, adult guardians, schools, and students to identify the immense career opportunities available in automotive. Autotech Group provides a valuable pathway for newly qualified college leavers in securing their first automotive job through its Autotech Academy’s internship initiative.
The IMI and Autotech Academy have united with School of Thought Automotive to directly connect school-age children, schools, and guardians with employers and launch Automotive Work Experience Week (AWE24) encouraging employers within the sector to offer one week’s placement for at least one young person in 2024. At the heart of AWE24 lies the mission to connect school pupils with the automotive sector and showcase it as an exciting career route.