Automotive industry calls for work experience placements

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. “By providing 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)