The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has become one of the first sector-specific trade bodies to be awarded Gold status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Attaining the Gold ERS Award signifies the highest level of recognition, underscoring SMMT’s proactive efforts in promoting and advocating for Armed Forces engagement within the UK automotive industry. This achievement is primarily attributed to Mission Automotive, an initiative that highlights the applicability of military skills in obtaining qualifications and pursuing various roles within the sector.
Steve Lees, JLR armed forces engagement programme manager at Mission Automotive, expressed his pride in supporting SMMT through their commendable commitment and dedication to Armed Forces Engagement, which stands as an exemplary demonstration of advocacy in the United Kingdom.
Kerry Boniface, Senior HR and CSR manager at SMMT, acknowledged the vast expertise and valuable transferable skills possessed by ex-military personnel. As the automotive industry undergoes a transformative shift towards new technologies, these skills are highly sought after. SMMT takes immense pride in its role in unlocking this talent pool and providing access to rewarding careers. The recognition bestowed upon SMMT and its members through the Gold award is a genuine honor, and they eagerly anticipate welcoming numerous service leavers and veterans to the automotive sector.
The ERS recognises UK employers that demonstrate and advocate support for the armed forces community.
The Gold ERS Award is the highest recognition available and reflects SMMT’s active promotion and advocacy of Armed Forces engagement in the UK automotive sector via Mission Automotive – which maps out how military skills are transferable to qualifications and roles in the sector.
Steve Lees, JLR armed forces engagement programme manager, Mission Automotive, said: “SMMT’s consistent commitment and support to Armed Forces Engagement over the last five years is one of the best examples of advocacy in the UK today. I am incredibly proud to be able to support SMMT through their Mission Automotive initiative.”
Kerry Boniface, Senior HR and CSR manager, SMMT, said: “Ex-military personnel offer a wealth of talent and critical transferrable skills, which are in high demand as the automotive industry undergoes a radical shift to new technologies, and we are so proud to be helping to unlock this talent and open up new doors to rewarding careers. To have our work, and that of our members, recognised by this Gold award is a real honour and we look forward to welcoming many more service leavers and veterans into the sector.”
