Ryan FowlerMission Community, the organisation behind the Armed Forces employment initiative Mission Automotive, has partnered with Automechanika Birmingham to support Motorvate – a new not-for-profit careers and recruitment feature taking place at the NEC from 3rd to 5th June 2025.
The collaboration will place a strong focus on helping ex-forces personnel transition into meaningful employment within the automotive sector, a key goal of Mission Community’s work across high-demand industries. As part of its presence at the show, the group will lead an Armed Forces Covenant Signing Ceremony on Wednesday 4th June, where automotive businesses will publicly commit to supporting veterans and service leavers.
James Cameron, chief executive officer at Mission Community, said: “We are delighted to partner with Automechanika Birmingham for this fantastic Motorvate initiative. This significant milestone marks over five years of Mission Automotive, first launched in 2019 in partnership with the SMMT, reinforcing our commitment to supporting service leavers and the wider Armed Forces community into careers within the automotive sector.
“The industry offers incredible opportunities for those with military experience, and this event provides a vital platform to connect talent with employers who recognise their value. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire, inform and support individuals in their transition to rewarding careers.”
Cameron will also speak on the Ignite Arena stage, sharing insights on the transferable skills veterans bring and how employers can benefit from engaging with this motivated and skilled workforce.
Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt UK, added: “Motorvate is about opening doors, changing perceptions and showing people from all backgrounds that there is a place for them in this industry.
“Our partnership with Mission Community is incredibly important, not just because of the direct support it offers to veterans and their families, but because it demonstrates the automotive sector’s readiness to welcome transferable skills, discipline and experience. We are excited to have Mission Community on board, as we look to drive change and create new, exciting and fulfilling opportunities in the industry.”
Motorvate will showcase a broad range of employment opportunities across automotive, with interactive exhibits, employer stands and educational content aimed at attracting new and diverse talent.
