SMMT News

See Inside Manufacturing at SMMT

18 June 2012 #SMMT News

In support of government’s See Inside Manufacturing initiative that launched this month, SMMT’s latest exhibition displays some of the most attractive, innovative and globally popular products built in the UK.

UK automotive has been instrumental in the success of See Inside Manufacturing, piloting the first programme of events and giving thousands of young people and their teachers the chance to catch a behind the scenes glimpse of life inside modern manufacturing facilities.

The initiative is designed to demonstrate that the UK has a modern, vibrant manufacturing sector and encourage more young people to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, in order to boost the UK’s skills base. The automotive industry is on course to manufacture a record two million cars in 2015, and thanks to sustained global investment and strong government support, now is a great time for young people to consider a career in automotive.

The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer featured in the exhibit is manufactured at the company’s Ellesmere Port plant, which recently secured production of the seventh generation Astra. The MINI Roadster is one of more than two million models that have now been manufactured at its Oxford plant, and completing the display is an intriguing cut-away version of the Aston Martin Rapide, which reveals the internal engineering of the four-door performance model that will be built at the highly flexible Gaydon plant from later this year. All three advanced automotive manufacturing sites have invited young people to participate in a range of interesting activities including factory tours, interactive presentations, hands-on practical exercises and the chance to discuss experiences directly with current apprentices.

More than 700,000 people are employed across design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, aftermarket and retail sectors with UK engineers and executives respected around the world. Industry takes on around 14,000 apprentices every year and looks to initiatives such as See Inside Manufacturing to ensure it continues to attract the best and brightest young talent.

Click through the slideshow below to see all the photos from SMMT’s exhibition space.

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