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Motorvate brings students and employers together at Automechanika Birmingham

Doug Elliott said: "Motorvate was a brilliant showcase of how the automotive industry can engage and inspire future talent."

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Motorvate Automechanika Birmingham
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Motorvate brought hands-on skills and careers activities to Automechanika Birmingham 2025, held at the NEC from 3rd to 5th June. 

Thousands visited the hub, including students, apprentices, garage owners and educators from across the UK. 

The event offered practical tasks such as electric vehicle challenges, simulator races, technical fault-finding and live demonstrations. 

Visitors left with improved confidence, new contacts and a clearer understanding of careers in the automotive aftermarket.

The Ignite Arena was busy throughout the show, hosting panels and talks with industry representatives from Bosch Training Solutions, Autotech Academy, Kwik Fit, Castrol and LKQ UK & Ireland. 

Visitors heard from Edd China, NAPA Racing UK driver Dan Rowbottom and teams from Toyota & Lexus Academy and Autotech Group. 

Motorsport Q&As, student panels and tech talks were also held.

James Cameron, CEO of Mission Community, said: “Automechanika Motorvate was a powerful platform to bring the automotive industry and the Armed Forces community closer together. 

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“It’s clear there’s huge potential when we connect world-class technical talent with a sector that thrives on precision, innovation and resilience. 

“We’re proud to be part of the journey and excited to see where these partnerships lead in the future.”

Motorvate featured activities from Bosch, Autotech and IMI Skills Competition Showcase, with visitors competing for prizes such as consoles, training vouchers and BTCC tickets.

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Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt UK, said: “Motorvate represents everything we believe the industry needs right now – energy, inspiration and opportunity. And it sure did deliver! 

“We had fantastic support from exhibitors, sponsors and colleges alike – and that support played a huge part in the success of the arena this year. 

“We are already in the planning stages for the next show and can’t wait to build on this year’s success to bring even more exciting opportunities to the sector!”

Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, said: “As proud sponsors of Motorvate, Autotech Group was delighted to support this year’s event, with Autotech Academy at the forefront, championing the next generation of automotive talent. 

“There was a great energy at the event, with a host of interactive initiatives that captured the enthusiasm of students and tutors alike and we were particularly pleased to take part in the panel discussions, which provided valuable opportunities to address the industry’s skills challenges and highlight solutions. 

“Events like Motorvate play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment, and we were proud to contribute to such a dynamic and impactful experience.”

Doug Elliott, head of employee engagement at ETEL, said: “Motorvate at Automechanika Birmingham 2025 was a brilliant showcase of how the automotive industry can engage and inspire future talent. 

“Its hands-on format, backed by leading employers and training providers, creates real momentum around skills development and career pathways. 

“It was especially encouraging to see so many college students actively exploring opportunities – this kind of exposure is vital for bringing fresh energy into the sector.”

Elliott added: “The event also offered excellent networking opportunities with organisations that share our ambition to do more within local communities, helping us build meaningful partnerships for long-term impact.”

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