F&I Management & Training

During the course of the next few months, young people with a range of backgrounds and experience will have the opportunity to get a taste of life in the UK automotive industry, as part of a 'Working Assets' scheme supported by SMMT and The Foyer Federation.

The established ‘Working Assets' programme has been developed by The Foyer Federation and seeks to develop the skills of young people to enable them to be employable and, ultimately, independent adults. SMMT, through its Charitable Trust, has partnered with The Foyer Federation to deliver an automotive-specific programme targeted at careers in the UK motor industry. This is the first time the scheme has focused on an individual sector of this scale.

Building on the success of a pilot programme that ran last year, SMMT members BMW Group UK, Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) and Unipart Group have each signed up to support this year's initiative, partnering with their local Foyers to undertake bespoke projects and activities. These will include skills workshops, training schemes and plant visits as well as hands-on activity such as problem-solving exercises, team-building projects, practical work experience and involvement with local sustainability initiatives.

Commenting on the programme, SMMT Interim Chief Executive, Mike Baunton said, "Following last year's highly successful pilot, we are both delighted and honoured to be working with The Foyer Federation again to deliver an effective programme that will develop the skills of young people and showcase careers in automotive.

"Our industry offers a fantastic range of job opportunities for all young people, irrespective of where they come from or what they have experienced. It's terrific to see the range of automotive companies committed to this project, pioneering activities that will enable young people to access new opportunities, broaden their interests and experience our vibrant sector first-hand."

Jane Slowey, Chief Executive of The Foyer Federation added, "A decent job with prospects is probably the most critical factor in enabling young people to move to sustainable, independent adulthood. That is why it is vital to create a new conversation between employers and those young people who face challenges as they grow up.

The Foyer Federation is thrilled to be working with SMMT and its members for a second year to build bridges for young people into a sector that is so important to the country's growth and prosperity. SMMT and the automotive partners involved join a growing list of employers and housing associations who want to invest in young people's assets and support their positive transition to adulthood."

During last year's pilot scheme, 30 young people from Foyers across the UK took part in activities and projects led by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) and Unipart Group. 73% of participants have since gone on to employment, education or training. To find out more about the young people that took part in last year's pilot and where they are now, read the case studies attached or click here to watch a short video and hear about their experiences.

Follow the progress of this year's programme on Twitter at @SMMT and @Foyerfederation or online atwww.foyer.net.

Aaron Taylor's story - 2012 SMMT and The Foyer Federation Working Assets 'pilot'

More deed, less waste

"I got involved in the SMMT Working Assets programme because at the time I had nothing going on day-to-day and because I wanted to commit to something. Mayday Trust introduced me to the opportunity and we started out on a six-week programme with Unipart Group.

"We were working with the manufacturing team and were given the task to eliminate different types of waste. It was an environment we didn't know, so we had to learn and understand how people work in the factory. I learnt a lot about the manufacturing environment and the commitment the staff give every day, which inspired me to continue with it.

"I enjoyed getting to know the Unipart staff and the people we were working with and this helped me improve my communication skills. Doing something valuable with my time and picking up skills like problem solving also improved my commitment. I learned about things like waste identifying techniques, and MIFA (material, information, flow, analysis).

"After finishing the six weeks successfully, I then joined a formal six-week work placement at Unipart, which I also enjoyed. Following my work placement, I went to SMMT's office in London for a recognition event, where I was awarded my certificate and met other young people taking part in the pilot programme.

"I found Unipart a really warm, welcoming environment to work in. Although I discovered that car manufacturing isn't my area of interest, I am so glad I participated and I'm now on a volunteer programme with an organisation called Chance 4 Change."

During last year's pilot, young people from Mayday Trust worked on a team project designed by Unipart. As a result, the group saved the company £17,000 by redesigning a trolley used in the factory.

Lloyd Burt's Story - 2012 SMMT and The Foyer Federation Working Assets 'pilot' 

"We had 11 young people from Derby Foyer take part in the project with Toyota. The group started out quite hesitantly but as the weeks went on it really grew on them. The Working Assets model means learning can take place in a new environment, which is a big part of why it has been a success.

"In the Foyer we set up a 'Work in Progress Wall' so that the young people could see what they had achieved. They gradually came to take responsibility for themselves, particularly in their behaviour. Working with professionals at Toyota taught them that they had to act in a certain way. A few of the group have behavioural issues so it was hard for them at first, but as it went on their behaviour and confidence got better and better.

"One of our young people, Nathan, isn't used to sitting in a classroom and speaking in front of other people, but if you meet him now you wouldn't know it. For him to see Toyota professionals looking at him positively, and not as a young person who can't do things, gave him confidence.

"Nathan has Asperger's and suffers from depression too, so going to London and being on crowded tubes was a big deal for him and he managed this easily after he completed the project. Although his condition remains, Nathan's overall management of the condition has improved as well as his general health and wellbeing. Nathan went on to present at a Learning Forum at the end of the programme, where he spoke to the group on his experiences of the project. The recognition the young people got was massive and being able to prove to themselves that they are capable of working within an industry was a really big deal for them too.

"Before the group started on Working Assets, some wouldn't even talk to each other, even though they had been living together for more than a year. Working with Toyota showed them that as a staff group they were a team and had to work together. This improved the situation in the Foyer and as time went on they began to really get together and communicate with each other. Most of them are friends now.

"I personally feel proud to have been part of the Working Assets programme and see all 11 young people get their NVQs and move into training or employment. Professionally, it's also pushed my abilities and shown me what I am capable of.

"I've developed my own assets too, and I now have a better understanding of project management, liaising between agencies, budget management, etc. Since the project, I've gone on to do an NVQ level 3 in Children and Young People in the Workforce. I'm not sure I would have done it if I hadn't been on this project. I completed the course in five months rather than a year because the service is closing down and the Working Assets project helped me add lots of examples.

"With the situation of our Foyer being decommissioned I'm really pleased the project can continue with another agency or Foyer. The benefits are amazing. To see the difference in young people makes you feel that you have truly achieved something."

Lloyd Burt was a support worker at the Derby Foyer and played an active role in facilitating the project with staff from Toyota.

Notes to Editors: 

About SMMT and UK the automotive industry:

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £55 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. With more than 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exportsand invests £1.3 billion each year in automotive R&D. Since 2000, huge strides have been made to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the life cycle. Improvements in manufacturing processes mean that in the last decade, energy used to produce each vehicle is down 43%, water use has been cut by 48% and 83%less waste enters landfill sites. Average new car tailpipe CO₂ emissions have also been slashed and are down 23% versus 10 years ago to 133g/km CO₂. For more details, see SMMT's Sustainability Report 2012 and Motor Industry Facts 2013 at www.smmt.co.uk/publications.  Note to broadcasters: SMMT has an on-site ISDN studio.

About The Foyer Federation and 'Working Assets':

The Foyer Federation is a not-for-profit organisation that helps to transform the circumstances and open the talents of young people who have faced barriers in their lives. Since 1992, it has worked with young people to create new approaches developing the skills and resources they need to thrive. Its mission is to turn young people's experiences of disadvantage into solutions that support their transition to adult independence by developing transformational programmes, such as ‘Working Assets' that fill gaps in community services and give young people necessary life skills.

Its ground breaking campaigns and initiatives are led through a network of 120 accredited learning and accommodation centres known as ‘Foyers'. These Foyers provide up to 10,000 16-25-year-olds per year with mutually agreed, tailor-made programmes which give the young people access to housing, learning, personal development, training and employment opportunities.

Further information about the Foyer Federation is available at www.foyer.net or by calling 020 7430 2212.

DATED: 15.05.13

FEED: HA