Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
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Manufacturers open doors to next generation of engineers

Manufacturers open doors to next generation of engineers

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 28 June 2011

Students across the country will get the chance to see one of the UK’s vanguard industries today (29 June) as companies in the automotive sector throw open their doors in a pilot for a new government initiative.

As part of the See Inside Manufacturing programme, the Government and industry are calling on the budding young engineers of tomorrow to see how they can play a role in designing, developing or producing some of the world’s most desired and ground-breaking products.

The automotive sector is spearheading the campaign this year inviting pupils, teachers and careers advisers to see first hand some of the UK’s world-class automotive and motorsport facilities and research centres.

They will be able to talk to apprentices and learn more about modern high-value manufacturing and the wide range of rewarding jobs in this exciting and diverse sector.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

“The UK has one of the most diverse auto sectors in the world. It is vital for us to enthuse the next generation about the opportunities these industries have for them.

“Anyone who visits the research labs or production facilities that drive our economy cannot fail to be impressed. This initiative will give thousands of school pupils and their teachers an experience they may never forget.

“I hope the people who take advantage of this opportunity leave with a better understanding of how they can aspire to be part of the success story of British automotive manufacturing.”

Minister for Manufacturing Mark Prisk said:

“Today teachers and careers advisers across the country will get a unique opportunity to see the excitement and sense of achievement that careers in industry could bring to young people in their working lives.

“Our manufacturing industries are known around the world for high-tech, high-quality products. Some of these are brands recognisable to millions, but we are also known for the smaller firms who have carved out a niche in which their skills and innovation are unmatched.

“To secure long-term growth in the UK we must make sure the next generation has both the skills to succeed and the aspiration to use these skills to unlock their own potential.”

More than 35 companies and organisations from the automotive sector including some of the most well known names in the Britain’s car industry are supporting See Inside Manufacturing. The automotive sector is trailblazing this year and it is expected that See Inside Manufacturing will be rolled out to the wider manufacturing sector next year.

Vince Cable is attending See Inside Manufacturing events at BMW’s MINI plant in Oxford and the catalyst manufacturer Johnson Matthey in Royston, while Mark Prisk is visiting Toyota’s engine plant in Deeside and GM’s plant at Ellesmere Port.

The See Inside Manufacturing programme will show the importance of the sector to the UK economy and inspire young people to take up a career in engineering, whether in designing, building or testing new products.

Manufacturing accounts for 55 per cent of UK exports and is vital to the country’s long-term economic success.

This programme is one example of how government and industry are working together to tackle high youth unemployment rates and train more skilled engineers, alongside other measures including:

Increased investment in apprenticeships,New national prize for engineering,A new all-age national careers service,Giving colleges and training providers more freedom to work with local businesses to help them meet skills needs.

Notes to Editors

1. Companies taking part in the automotive pilot of See Inside Manufacturing events are:

Alcon
Allied Vehicles
Aston Martin
Bentley
BMW Group UK
Bosch
CAT
Flybrid
Ford
Gordon Murray Design
GKN
Honda
Jaguar Land Rover
JCB
Johnson Matthey
Leyland Trucks
Lola Group
Lotus
McLaren Automotive
Mercedes GP Petronas
MIA
Michelin
Millbrook
Nissan
Perkins Engines
Prodrive
RDM Automotive
Ricardo
Rockingham Motor Speedway
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Semta
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
Thatcham
Toyota
UYT Ltd
Vauxhall Motors
Williams F1
Xtrac
Zytek

2. The full schedule of activities is available on the Automotive Council website here. The open days will take place between 10-21 October.

3. Earlier this month:

BMW announced new investment of £500m in its UK production network over the next three years safeguarding 5,000 jobs.Nissan announced a £192m investment safeguarding 6,000 jobs with the news the next version of the Qashqai would be designed and built in Britain.Toyota is to export its Avensis model to Japan. The car is made at its Burnaston plant with engines from its Deeside plant.

4. BIS's online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.

Contacts:

BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Rebecca Murrell
Phone: 020 7215 6403
Rebecca.Murrell@bis.gsi.gov.uk

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