Initiative launched to find military veterans motoring industry jobs
Mission Automotive is the charity behind the move
A new initiative has been announced that aims to help British Armed Forces veterans find jobs in the motoring industry.
The new charity Mission Automotive is run by Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, in collaboration with the Royal Foundation, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and has backing from the Military of Defence.
The initiative aims to help those leaving military service, as well as veterans, to find careers within the UK automotive industry. It’ll cover the entire sector, from jobs within infrastructure and software to logistics, and help to replenish the skills shortage in the industry too.
James Cameron, Mission Motorsport CEO, said: “It can be difficult for service leavers to translate how their military experience allows them to fit into civilian career.
“Mission Automotive helps organisations to recognise, foster and retain that talent through developing and implementing their own armed forces engagement strategies. By promoting these positive business behaviours, the Mission Automotive initiative gives member companies the tools to unlock not only human potential, but also brand and corporate opportunities through embracing the Armed Forces Covenant.”
The scheme will link skills gained through military service with relevant automotive jobs – both increasing the amount of jobs available for veterans while giving the industry a new range of potential employees to hire from.
Mission Automotive believes that the initiative will be particularly effective thanks to the increase in electrification in the motoring industry, and because of the amount of experience that veterans have in high-voltage systems.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “From electrification to digitisation, autonomous driving to cyber security, the automotive industry is changing rapidly and we need talent to address some critical skills gaps. Ex-military personnel can provide some of these in-demand skills and the industry can provide them with a new career path.
“SMMT has supported Mission Motorsport for a number of years with ex-service people, including many with disabilities, joining the sector and rapidly becoming an asset to their respective companies. Mission Automotive expands these opportunities and will let us attack the future challenges with highly trained and targeted talent.”
