AWE25 issues call to action to automotive employers
AWE25 has issued a call to action to automotive businesses to tackle the industry’s skills crisis by offering work experience to the next generation of talent.
AWE25 is taking place this week with a mission to encourage employers to showcase the exciting opportunities and varied careers available in the sector to more young people.
The inaugural Automotive Work Experience Week (AWE) was held last year, led by School of Thought Automotive, in partnership with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and Autotech Academy. Now, with The AA as headline partner, AWE25 is evolving into National Automotive Careers Week with an expanded campaign to champion the benefits of work experience.
In the lead-up to AWE, the IMI Jobs Portal was enhanced last month to offer work experience placements for the first time and nearly 100 placements have so far been pledged by businesses.
Call to action
AWE25 is now issuing a call to action to more employers to step forward and offer work experience placements for a day, a week, or even longer.
Dave Reece, founder of School of Thought Automotive, said: “This year we’re sending a clear message: work experience is not a ‘nice to have’—it’s essential. We need to connect with young people before they make decisions about further education. The only way we can change perceptions about our sector is by opening the door and letting them in.”
Thomas Smith, customer performance manager, the AA, said: “The automotive industry is evolving faster than ever and raising awareness of the exciting career opportunities within it is crucial. As the headline partner for National Automotive Careers Week 2025, The AA is proud to support initiatives that inspire the next generation to enter the sector.”
