During 2006, we launched a £100,000 national initiative to find and train the motor engineers of the future. We are linking up with schools to provide vocational training that will give students a head-start in the automotive industry.

The project has begun with Ashfield School in Nottinghamshire, where we are building a state-of-the-art workshop equipped with the latest vehicle technology.

The aim of the initiative, which includes finding work placements with local businesses, is to provide students with a gateway into a range of automotive engineering qualifications and roles, not only as vehicle technicians but also in the manufacture and product design of vehicle systems, electronic controls and robotics, which are critical jobs for the future of manufacturing in the UK.