StarterMotor’s mission is to inspire and motivate the next generation to pursue careers within the classic and historic motoring sector. It is both our responsibility, and that of the wider industry, to ensure the sector is future-proofed, and that its businesses, skills, knowledge, and understanding are protected for years to come.
From time to time, we work with local Bicester schools, inviting students to visit us at Bicester Motion to showcase the wide variety of career paths and opportunities available within the sector. These events give us the chance to engage with young people and open their eyes to what their future careers could look like, while offering guidance and support along the way.
Earlier this month, 200 Year 11 students joined us for a career’s morning, where specialist companies based at Bicester Motion, as well as within the local community, spoke about their career journeys, current roles, and offered valuable advice. The speakers represented a diverse range of skills and professions - from legal executives at Silverstone Circuit to media, restoration, and engineering apprenticeship specialists - giving students a rich variety of insights and perspectives.
Although not all 200 students had prior knowledge of the sector, the range of speakers and career paths presented encouraged engagement and sparked thoughtful consideration of future aspirations. Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive.
A huge thank goes to everyone who supported the day:
John Pitchforth (The Heritage Skills Academy); Andrew Ferguson (Historit); George Morton (Hagerty UK); Polly Dedman, Sarah Tibbets, and Olivia Mawditt (Motorsport UK); Mark Vingoe and apprentices (The Engineering Trust); Ethan Blake-Jones, Craig Blake-Jones, and Paul Ward (Paddock Speedshop); George Ure (Silverstone Circuit); Rob Evans; and StarterMotor Ambassador, Mat Hartin.
We at StarterMotor often describe what we do as being akin to ‘panning for gold’ - seeking out young people with ‘petrol in their veins’ whom we can support by providing work experience opportunities and career guidance. Our partnerships with schools and educational institutions allow us to reach a wide audience, helping us identify those with a passion for the old car world, and then to nurture this talent to provide the next generation of professionals and enthusiasts to rejuvenate the classic and historic motoring world.
