Automotive charity Ben has joined forces with industry body The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to support apprentices progress in the sector through funded driving lessons.
The pilot scheme, Drive to Thrive, will offer apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds up to 44 hours of funded driving lessons while they are learning their trade.
Participants must be aged 17 to 21 years old, with 10 apprentices benefitting from the scheme in its first year.
Rachel Clift, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Ben, said, “We’re delighted to be involved in this important initiative. It’s a win-win situation, providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds, and bringing much-needed new talent into the automotive industry. The future of our industry requires a whole new skillset with the rise in EVs and new technologies. We’re looking forward to working closely with the SMMT and supporting the workforce of the future.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, added, “Apprentices have been a driving force behind Britain’s automotive industry for generations and they have never been more important, as employers seek cutting-edge skills for the new technologies that will power our future mobility. These technologies offer exciting career paths but accessing them often depends on having access to personal mobility. Drive to Thrive will help automotive businesses attract the next generation of top talent, while giving apprentices the ability to turbocharge their careers and deliver the growth that is essential to our future success.”
