AutoRaise partnership aims to improve opportunities for young people

AutoRaise has partnered with education charity Future First to offer state school and college students support and advice to consider a career in the vehicle repair industry.

Through recording videos, writing blogs, sharing advice and volunteering in workshops, employees from across the industry will use their skills, knowledge, and experiences to help guide young people from schools across the country.

AutoRaise said the partnership will allow business across the sector to connect with up-and-coming talent.

Steve Thompson, AutoRaise vice-chair said: "For me it is quite simple, we need to break the barriers in the industry by getting in front of young people. This partnership with Future First will ensure we capture our future talent and hopefully inspire them to join this great industry when they leave school.”

The AM News Show recently featured JCT600 Aston Martin Leeds apprentice technician Sophie Bailey and Mercedes-Benz Sheffield apprentice service advisor Ben Collinson to discuss their experience of working in an automotive retail sector striving to attract the next generation of automotive talent.

The AM100 retail group's head of colleague experience Nicola Tordoff-Sohne and former National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) communications manager Gabriele Severini also joined the conversation, highlighting the role played by the NFDA's Drive Your Career initiative.

Future First is a UK charity helping young people in state schools and colleges by connecting them with relatable role models.

Lorraine Langham, Future First chief executive officer, said: "It's so important that students from all backgrounds are supported and inspired to consider as many options as possible for the future.

"Being connected to organisations such as AutoRaise, and employees across their member businesses, often opens up a whole new world of opportunity for them.

"Many young people – particularly those from less privileged backgrounds – may never have considered a career in vehicle repair and may not appreciate the progression opportunities that exist in the sector.

"The chance to meet and learn from someone who has gone on to succeed in the sector could inspire them to follow a similar path."

Autotech Group is urging senior leaders, HR directors and managers in the automotive aftermarket to drive forward the skills conversation.

AM reported earlier this year that business leaders will have to “become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable” to make automotive careers appeal to a wider range of young talent through an improved culture of diversity and inclusion (D&I).