The Nationwide Franchised Sellers Affiliation is launching a marketing campaign entitled #ChooseAutomotive to make GCSE and A-level examination college students extra conscious of the various jobs and careers accessible in automotive retail and restore.

The NFDA is dedicated to inspiring younger people to discover the number of apprenticeships or entry-level roles inside supplier teams via its employment initiative, Drive My Profession.

“With almost 600,000 folks working within the retail aspect of the automotive sector throughout the UK and various profession choices in gross sales, finance, advertising and marketing, social media, coverage, HR, and extra, this business is filled with potentialities,” mentioned NFDA chief govt Sue Robinson.

“It is time we debunk the previous misconceptions surrounding our business. This sector stands as a gateway to fulfilling careers, providing quite a few apprenticeships throughout various sectors, guaranteeing a degree taking part in discipline for people from all backgrounds and genders to domesticate important expertise.”

On A-level outcomes day, 17 August, Drive My Profession will launch the marketing campaign #chooseautomotive and can share movies, testimonials and posts elevating consciousness on the advantages of embarking on a profession within the motor retail business.

Earlier this yr the Institute of the Motor Business warned that automotive companies are lacking out on apprenticeships that might assist fill the abilities hole.

Funding is on the market via the Authorities’s apprenticeship levy scheme, but the newest knowledge within the IMI’s Automotive Schooling Report suggests that is underutilised within the automotive sector – on common, 65% of all apprenticeships within the UK are supported by levy funds, however simply 52% of automotive apprenticeships acquired such help in 2022, leaving the sector within the backside third of all UK sectors hiring apprentices.

The NFDA may also be exhibiting on the British Motor Present in Farnborough this week. A Way forward for Automotive Retailing dialogue on the primary day of the motor present will embrace insights from Robinson plus Nick King from Auto Dealer, Steve Younger of ICDP and Alastair Cassels of MHA Macintyre Hudson.

Its Drive My Profession workforce may also be on the IMI Tech Hub every morning to share insights into careers inside the automotive business and to supply steerage on pathways.

Robinson (pictured) mentioned: “We’re thrilled to be again on the British Motor Present, an occasion that has turn out to be a cherished custom for NFDA. Our participation highlights our dedication to selling profession alternatives, driving innovation, and advancing the electrification revolution.

“We sit up for sparking curiosity within the minds of the youth and their households whereas paving the best way for a extra sustainable automotive future.”