Manufacturing Minister Mark Prisk joined teachers and careers officers as Toyota opened the doors of its UK factories to launch its support for See Inside Manufacturing, a national initiative to inspire young people to take up careers in manufacturing and engineering.
The Minister took part in a tour of Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Deeside engine plant in North Wales, organised to provide an insight into the jobs and skills opportunities available to school and college leavers and graduates. A similar event was organised at TMUK’s car plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire.
Commenting on his visit Minister Mark Prisk said:
“Today teachers and careers advisers across North Wales will get a unique opportunity to see for themselves that the automotive industry has highly skilled jobs that can be well-paid and highly successful.
“We want to make the UK a leader in the research, development, demonstration, manufacture and use of low and ultra-low carbon vehicles. With Toyota’s plant in Deeside manufacturing the first full hybrid engine to be made outside Japan, it is helping the UK lead the way.
“We have 11 global vehicle makers with a significant UK presence, supported by 19 of the world’s top 20 suppliers as well as innovative technology makers and designers. The UK has one of the most diverse automotive sectors in the world.”
These visits pave the way for TMUK to welcome students to its production centres in October to see for themselves the work it does and to find out more about the talents required to launch a career in the auto industry.
As one of the country’s leading automotive manufacturing businesses, Toyota is an active supporter of See Inside Manufacturing, which is encouraging young people to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The aims of the programme also align with Toyota’s corporate approach to personal development for its members.
Tony Walker, TMUK Deputy Managing Director, said:
“Toyota welcomes initiatives designed to promote a greater recognition of the contribution and importance of manufacturing to the UK economy.
“The See Inside Manufacturing initiative will complement our existing activities aimed at engaging with young people and encouraging and inspiring them to be the next generation of engineers.”
The automotive sector is the first industry group in the UK to launch activities, co-ordinated by the joint industry/government Automotive Council. Commenting on behalf of the industry, Paul Everitt, Chief Executive, SMMT said:
“The UK automotive has a strong future built on the foundations of innovative engineering and design.
“See Inside manufacturing demonstrates the extensive range of exciting careers and apprenticeship opportunities within the sector, enabling young people to see what UK automotive has to offer as one of the most exciting and dynamic industries in the world.”
To find out how industry is suppporting skills growth within UK automotive, click here.
