Influential figures from across the UK automotive industry have come together to celebrate the achievements of more than 70 young people as part of an initiative to enhance skills in the sector.

The ‘Working Assets’ initiative, funded through SMMT’s Charitable Trust and delivered by the Foyer Federation, offers young people an exciting opportunity to develop their skills in one of the UK’s most vibrant industrial sectors.

Participants undertook work programmes at four SMMT members’ manufacturing operations, Ford’s Technical Centre in Basildon, Essex, BMW’s MINI plant in Swindon, Toyota’s car factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire and Unipart Manufacturing in Coventry, where they engaged in a range of activities to enhance their long-term employability.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The UK automotive sector employs more than three quarters of a million people, a number that is growing following significant investments by the industry.

“Working with the Foyer Federation in the ‘Working Assets’ programme has been a privilege and we are pleased to have been able to offer this unique stepping stone to employment for some of those who have faced challenges in their lives.”

Chief executive of the Foyer Federation Jane Slowey said: “We are really pleased to see this important and innovative programme develop and improve with each year. For the third year in a row, the partnership has offered a flexible and engaging programme to young people which stimulates their interest in the automotive industry and boosts their employability in the process.”

Each young person took on a variety of activities including team-building, exposure to a professional environment in a manufacturing facility and development of CVs.

The projects were specifically designed to engage the participants with the challenges of modern manufacturing, as well as develop their capacity for teamwork and enhance their prospects for future employment in the sector.

In recognition of their achievements, each participant was given a certificate.

This year, as an added attraction to young people interested in the industry, the partnership between SMMT and the Foyer Federation expanded activities to running a Pop Up Talent Shop at SMMT’s headquarters. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Shop mixed over 40 young people with professionals from the automotive industry to apply their skills in taster sessions and find out more about routes into the sector.