The UK automotive sector has today launched a new sector career guide for veterans in
a bid to recruit more ex-Armed Forces personnel to help bring
additional talent into a workforce that is upskilling for a green
future. The guide, launched by Mission Automotive in partnership
with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), aims
to encourage recent Forces leavers consider a new career in the
automotive industry – with advice on everything from the
different sectors, roles and skills with high demand, to the
qualifications needed to get a job.
For years the automotive industry has provided a range of career
choices for Veterans, who offer relevant expertise and
transferrable skills in everything from analytics to engineering.
Many joining the sector enjoy long-term and rewarding careers,
with salaries up to 14% higher than the UK
average1 – and with up to 40,000 new automotive
jobs expected to be created by 2030,2 the
opportunities are huge.
The rapidly developing industry and journey to electrified,
connected and automated vehicles means the variety of roles on
offer is unprecedented. From manufacturing to engineering,
software design to supply chain, the aftermarket, sales and
motorsport, there are immense opportunities for Armed Forces
leavers and businesses to succeed together.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The
valuable skills and experience provided by Service Leavers are
crucial to the industry's future, especially as we shift to
increasingly advanced technologies. Our continued work with
Mission Automotive and the release of the veterans career guide
should encourage and support Forces Leavers who are considering
the automotive sector as a career path at such an important time
for the industry.”
James Cameron, Founder and CEO of Mission
Automotive, said, "Marking five years of the Mission
Automotive initiative in partnership with SMMT is a testament to
the incredible impact that industry collaboration can have on the
Armed Forces community. Since 2019, we have helped demonstrate
that veterans are a national strategic asset; bringing unmatched
skills, discipline, and leadership to a sector undergoing rapid
transformation. Our goal is to create long-term, meaningful
employment pathways that not only uplift the Armed Forces
community but also strengthen the UK's workforce as a whole,
ensuring no talent goes untapped in this green growth decade.”
An initiative first launched in 2019 by Mission Motorsport, the
Forces' Motorsport Charity, Mission Automotive draws from an
Armed Forces culture of inclusivity. It is supported by the
Ministry of Defence in partnership with The Royal Foundation and
SMMT, which was awarded gold status by the Defence Employer
Recognition Scheme for supporting and providing job opportunities
to the Forces community.3
The National Transition Event, which Mission Motorsport is
hosting today at Silverstone, brings together Veterans, Forces
Leavers and their families for networking, LinkedIn and CV
writing advice, and the chance to be driven on the iconic
Silverstone GP Circuit.
Notes to editors
1 SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2024.
2 Mission Automotive Veterans' Career Guide.
3 SMMT awarded Gold employer
status for services to Armed Forces community.
