In an article recently published in the Morgan Sports Car Club's Miscellany magazine, hear from Marketing and Events Specialist for StarterMotor Charity, Gracie Haddon, about the next generation of careers within the classic and historic vehicle sector.
There’s nothing like driving and maintaining classic cars to engage, educate and inspire youngsters, of course. That’s where we come in…
So, you might be thinking, what is StarterMotor, and how did its creation come about? StarterMotor Charity was formed in 2016 to address the fundamental challenge facing the classic and historic car sector, namely bringing down the average age of those who own cars and work in the ‘old’ car world.
In simple terms, there are three things the Charity is aiming to do i) build awareness of the sector and the welcoming community that exists, ii) engage a younger demographic and get them involved in owning and enjoying what’s on offer by being part of this community and iii) to assist this younger demographic to find jobs and build careers in the sector.
We have a group of young, passionate volunteers, known as Ambassadors, who are broadly from the ‘Gen-Z’ cohort, our natural target audience, and so the team of Ambassadors are the true public face of StarterMotor. I’ve no doubt that many of you reading this article have met some of the Ambassadors as StarterMotor often has a presence at MSCC events.
StarterMotor is seeking to have a transformative impact on both individuals and the larger motoring community. By investing in education and engagement, the Charity ensures that the skills and stories associated with historic motoring are preserved for generations to come. Several of the Ambassadors have gone on to pursue careers in restoration, engineering, and similar fields, bringing fresh talent into an industry steeped in tradition.
I have been an Ambassador for around two and half years, but my association with the Charity changed on June 1st when I became a full-time employee. Having only just completed my degree – my last presentation was on May 22nd - I feel blessed, not only because I’ve been able to secure a job, but because it’s a dream start to my career. I’ve taken on the role of Marketing and Events Specialist where I’m looking forward to supporting a big step-up in the Charity's marketing presence, which is key to building awareness of, and knowledge about, the brand and what we do.
Looking ahead, StarterMotor aims to expand its reach to more schools and learning communities, particularly in areas where access to historic vehicles is limited. A promising relationship with the British Motor Museum is just taking shape, and the Charity has created and chairs the Bicester Schools’ Forum. The Forum brings together multiple schools in the town and enables the sharing of best practice and costs to support those students, who have shown a keen interest in automotive, to attend events and courses.
For those who believe in the magic of classic and historic vehicles, StarterMotor is more than a charity, it's a movement fuelled by passion, dedication, and a shared love for motoring history. The generosity of the Morgan Sports Car Club and its members help us fuel the way for the next generation. We’re extremely grateful for your continued support and look forward to the future, together.