Bentley Motors showed on the 11th october at Crewe, the diversity of career paths on offer in the automotive manufacturing sector. Children from surrounding schools were invited to the Company’s Crewe headquarters to experience some of the skills and craftsmanship necessary in the creation of the world’s finest motor cars. The event formed part of a combined Government-industry initiative, ‘See Inside Manufacturing’, which aims to inspire and encourage young people to consider careers in manufacturing, especially within the automotive sector.
Business Secretary, Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, said:
“For too many young people the word manufacturing is a turn off. A worrying poll out last week found that only one out of ten children aged 11 to 14 thought that engineering was an important job and even ranked being a politician as a better choice of career!
“We are determined to shake up old fashioned views of manufacturing. Through the Government’s See Inside Manufacturing campaign and Bentley’s event at Crewe, we will give young people the chance to see the exciting face of modern manufacturing which is highly skilled, high tech and highly paid.”
110 pupils aged between 10 and 15 tried their hand at different skills used by Bentley. Five ‘Have a Go’ areas were created where children could try activities such as stitching a steering wheel, assembling a Bentley V8 engine rocker shaft, CAD drawing and clay modeling an alloy wheel in the same fashion as Bentley’s own design team.
Together with their teachers, the pupils were then given a tour of the facilities where they were able to see for themselves how cars such as the new Continental GT and the unique Mulsanne are created, with their unparalleled levels of quality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence. The children were also able to see how technology has evolved in the automotive sector by comparing the latest products from the luxury British marque with two heritage cars – including W. O. Bentley’s own 8 Litre – all of which were on display in front of the main entrance.
Speaking about the event, Member of the Board for Personnel, Christine Gaskell, said:
“The automotive sector is a fantastic industry in which to pursue a career. The diversity of job opportunities is incredible and the support available to young people considering this option is now significant. The UK is home to most of the world’s high luxury car manufacturers as the skill levels we demand are unmatched. We want to ensure those skills are passed on to a new generation and hope initiatives such as “See Inside” will help inspire the young people we will need”.
via Bentley Motors Press Release
www.bentleymotors.com
