The McLaren Group today welcomed groups of students to its Technology Centre in Woking as part of an initiative to encourage young people into automotive engineering.
The manufacturer played host to seven groups of 13-16 year olds in this year’s McLaren Manufacturing Challenge Grand Final, a competition to design and build a motor-less vehicle. Students also toured the McLaren Technology Centre, gaining an insight into the life of an automotive engineer.
This was the fourth Manufacturing Challenge held by McLaren as part of the government and industry See Inside Manufacturing initiative, which aims to encourage young people to take up a career in engineering and manufacturing.
Monday’s event also coincided with the launch of McLaren’s ‘Skills Week’. The campaign will use social media to highlight why a skilled workforce is crucial to the UK’s future prosperity, as well as promoting the diverse career options available in the engineering sector.
Ron Dennis, Chief Executive and Chairman of McLaren Group and Chairman of McLaren Automotive said,“The UK has a rich heritage in manufacturing and engineering and it’s no surprise that the majority of the Formula 1 industry is based here. There is huge opportunity for the UK to build on our world-leading science and innovation to deliver growth. But we need to encourage the brightest and best young talent to study science and maths, and to take up technical careers, if we hope to achieve our potential.
“Initiatives such as the McLaren Manufacturing Challenge, and now McLaren’s ‘Skills Week’, will hopefully inspire the next generation of designers and engineers, which will in turn support future growth.”
For the latest updates on McLaren’s ‘Skills Week’ visit the McLaren Twitter page and follow #McLarenSkills.
