New charity Mission Automotive has announced a new initiative that aims to help British Armed forces veterans find jobs in the motoring industry.
According to Express & Star, the charity 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 scheme has been put together to help those leaving military service, and veterans, to find careers in the automotive industry. It covers the entire sector, including infrastructure and software, to logistics. As a whole, it should also 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.”
Mission Automotive will link skills gained through military service with relevant automotive jobs, increasing the amount of jobs available for veterans and providing the automotive industry with a new range of experienced candidates to hire.
As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Mission Automotive believes the scheme will benefit this, due to the experience 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.”
