In response to the fact millions of teenagers receive their GCSE results today, a week-long social media campaign has been launched to encourage them to consider a career in automotive.

The Institute of the Motor Industry campaign will take place under the banner #MotorCareers on social media sites and has the backing of over 30 companies and organisations.

The IMI will also push the campaign out through its 587 colleges and training providers that provide the organisation's qualifications.

The campaign will show 16-year-olds the opportunities on offer in the automotive sector.

The IMI says that a misperception of the motor trade being a back street and low skilled has prevented many parents and careers advisors recommending it as a career option to children in the past.

Research conducted for the campaign suggests just 19% of parents would encourage their child to undertake a vocational qualification and only 9% would encourage their children to work in the motor industry.

The organisations involved will unite for the first time under the IMI’s campaign to promote automotive retail sector careers under one banner to maximise impact.

It is hoped the combined effort will drive more young people than ever to consider a career in the motor industry.

The IMI has estimated the potential earnings of today’s 16-year-olds destined for university compared with those who go through apprenticeships.

Calculations predict that those who pick vocational training in the motor trade will have earned on average £60,000-100,000 more than the academic students by the time they are 25.

These figures do not include the estimated £55,000 debt that university students will graduate with.

IMI chief executive Steve Nash said: “Automotive apprentices can train in top class colleges and in cutting edge facilities.

"For a young apprentice in the motor industry there is the added advantage of earning while they learn. They can work towards one of 150 different job roles, in a well-paid, high tech industry without the worry of shackling themselves with student debt.

"As an example, qualified technicians can earn more than the UK average wage, £25-35K in most cases. It is a fantastic option for anyone completing their GCSEs.

“With 11,000 apprenticeships started in the motor industry in 2013 there are lots of opportunities to choose from in technical, management, IT, sales and finance."

Young people can find out more at www.autocity.org.uk.

“We urge anyone involved in the automotive sector to shout about the opportunities on offer by talking about #MotorCareers on social media between the August 21 and 28.” 

Companies and organisations backing the campaign:

Autoglass

Babcock International Group

Bentley Motors Ltd

BMW Group Academy

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions

Bridgwater College

Calex

City & Guilds

Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd

Finance Cover & Training

GTG

Inchcape

Jaguar Land Rover Academy

Jardine Motors Group

John Clark Motor Group

Mercedes-Benz Ltd

Morelli

Motor Cycle Industry Association Ltd

Pearson (Edexcel BTEC)

Professional Inspirations Ltd

RAC Motoring Services

Raytheon Systems Ltd

Remit Resourcing

Renault Trucks UK Ltd

Road Transport Media

Scania (Great Britain) Ltd

Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders Ltd

Steph Savill ltd

Suzuki GB PLC

Toyota & Lexus Academy

TrustFord

Vertu Motors

Volvo Group UK Ltd

Volkswagen Group Ltd