The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Charitable Trust Fund has marked the UK’s first Green Careers Week by launching a new automotive career guide, designed to attract top talent to help drive the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
According to the latest SMMT member survey, almost half of UK automotive companies are concerned about skills shortages in key roles, from research and design to engineering and manufacturing. The survey also found that nearly eight in ten companies were struggling to recruit staff in engineering, design and research and development roles.
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Produced in partnership with the City of London Livery Company, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the new guide is aimed at helping to deal with the shortfall. It provides a key resource for school leavers, graduates and career changers on the vast range of new opportunities in the development, production and maintenance of new technologies, from hydrogen trucks and electric buses to high-performance sports cars, self-driving vehicles, zero-emission components, advanced software solutions and technical roles in the £50billion aftermarket sector.
With some 14,000 new roles either delivered or being created by UK investment in zero emission vehicle and battery production since 2011, the automotive industry is searching for talented, creative employees to join its ranks as it helps to drive Britain’s move to a net zero economy. The new guide offers insights into a wide range of automotive sectors and employers, with advice on how to find the ideal job or apprenticeship, interview techniques and scholarship and bursary opportunities, for people from all backgrounds.
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The revolution in zero emission and self-driving vehicles is opening up even more opportunities beyond the roles traditionally associated with the sector, as the workforce adapts to new, cutting-edge technology and software. According to the SMMT, the industry has never been more open and accessible to career seekers, with roles in areas ranging from electric vehicle design and fuel cell technology research to the development and testing of self-driving vehicle technology.
‘Britain’s world-leading automotive sector is delivering the vehicles of the future, today, and the skills and commitment of a new generation of diverse and talented workers will secure its success, said Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive. ‘There has never been a more exciting time to work in the industry, with some of Britain’s best-paid, most rewarding and longest-lasting careers, and a breadth of opportunities at the vanguard of the net zero and AI revolution. SMMT’s new career guide offers a valuable resource, providing advice on how to join the sector in roles as diverse as design, data analytics, engineering and marketing, leading the charge towards a zero-emission future.’
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The career guide can be downloaded here.