Silverstone, 24 February 2025 – The UK automotive industry has taken a significant step towards strengthening its workforce by launching a new sector career guide aimed at ex-Armed Forces personnel. Developed in partnership between Mission Automotive and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the guide seeks to help recent Forces leavers transition seamlessly into the automotive industry, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available and the skills in high demand.
Launched at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit today, the guide offers vital insights into the automotive sector, including information on the various roles, required qualifications, and pathways for career progression. With up to 40,000 new jobs expected in the industry by 2030, the initiative underscores the sector’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent and supporting veterans in securing well-paid, long-term careers.
A Mission-Ready Workforce for the Automotive Industry
The automotive industry has long benefited from the expertise and discipline of ex-Service personnel. Veterans bring a wealth of transferable skills—from engineering and logistics to analytics and leadership—making them ideal candidates for roles in manufacturing, software development, supply chain management, sales, and even motorsport. Notably, many who have made the transition into automotive careers enjoy salaries up to 14% higher than the UK average, a testament to the industry’s recognition of their capabilities and experience.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, emphasized the critical role veterans play in the industry’s transformation:
“The valuable skills and experience provided by Service Leavers are crucial to the industry’s future, especially as we shift to increasingly advanced technologies. Our continued work with Mission Automotive and the release of the veterans career guide should encourage and support Forces Leavers who are considering the automotive sector as a career path at such an important time for the industry.”
Five Years of Mission Automotive: A Legacy of Impact
The career guide also marks the fifth anniversary of the Mission Automotive initiative, originally launched in 2019 by Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity. Mission Automotive is supported by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with The Royal Foundation and SMMT. The initiative has played a pivotal role in demonstrating that veterans are a national strategic asset, bringing unmatched discipline and leadership to a rapidly evolving sector.
James Cameron, Founder and CEO of Mission Automotive, reinforced this message:
“Marking five years of the Mission Automotive initiative in partnership with SMMT is a testament to the incredible impact that industry collaboration can have on the Armed Forces community. Since 2019, we have helped demonstrate that veterans are a national strategic asset; bringing unmatched skills, discipline, and leadership to a sector undergoing rapid transformation. Our goal is to create long-term, meaningful employment pathways that not only uplift the Armed Forces community but also strengthen the UK’s workforce as a whole, ensuring no talent goes untapped in this green growth decade.”
Silverstone’s National Transition Event: Opening Doors for Veterans
Today’s National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit brings together Forces Leavers, Veterans, and their families with automotive businesses, third-sector organizations, and government representatives. Attendees will receive networking opportunities, LinkedIn and CV writing advice, and the unique experience of being driven on the legendary Silverstone GP Circuit.
The event underscores the sector’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive workforce and ensuring that veterans have the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in a sector that is both dynamic and future-focused.
With the automotive industry poised for rapid expansion—particularly in electrification, automation, and connectivity—initiatives like the Veterans Career Guide and Mission Automotive are crucial to bridging the talent gap and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of global automotive innovation.
About Mission Automotive
Mission Automotive was founded by Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, and is supported by the Ministry of Defence, The Royal Foundation, and SMMT. It connects Service Leavers and Veterans with employment opportunities in the automotive industry, leveraging their skills to support the sector’s transformation towards electrification, connectivity, and automation.
About SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the UK’s largest and most influential trade associations, representing more than 800 automotive companies. It works to promote the UK automotive industry and ensure it remains competitive, innovative, and a leader in sustainability and technological advancement.
