Volvo Car UK set to benefit from massive talent pool offered by ex-British Armed Forces personnel

Volvo Car UK set to help ex-British Armed Forces personnel find new careers in the automotive sector in partnership with Mission Motorsport

Volvo Car UK has become an industry partner of Mission Motorsport, a charity that helps those leaving the military to find employment in the automotive industry. Volvo will be offering ex-armed forces personnel the opportunity to find sustainable, rewarding careers within the company’s retailer network through Mission Motorsport’s Armed Forces Engagement programme, Mission Automotive.

Mission Motorsport, the forces motorsport charity, whose motto is ‘Race Retrain Recover’, works in partnership with the Royal Foundation (the charitable trust of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) to deliver Mission Automotive. The initiative helps companies like Volvo implement engagement programmes that provide placement and employment opportunities for veterans, helping them bridge the gap between their military service and their new civilian life.

James Cameron, CEO, Mission Motorsport said:

“Our servicemen and women have so much to offer society after they have left military service. Working with major brands like Volvo can only serve to help our veterans lead fulfilling civilian lives. Volvo recognises that the ex-military are already highly trained and incredibly motivated. The company echoes the same best practice and working ethos on which we at Mission Automotive pride ourselves and I am really looking forward to reaping the rewards of this new partnership.”

Since its inception, Mission Motorsport has supported over 1,700 veterans in full-time positions with member companies. Many of those have had career ending injuries while serving. Volvo is eager to increase these figures substantially. The company will work closely with Mission Automotive’s Relationship Managers to run insight visits, arrange work placements and training in a wide range of roles across all disciplines within the retailer network, including Service Technicians, Sales Consultant, Product Specialist, Service Advisors, Parts Advisors and Drivers. The aim is to secure permanent employment for ex-military personnel wishing to find a rewarding career in the motor industry. 

Volvo has transformed into a true premium brand over recent years and has established itself as an industry leader in new technologies that are changing how people drive and own cars, making it an exciting business in which to work. The company has a diverse workforce and is always seeking ambitious, motivated candidates who are looking to start their careers in a supportive growing environment that provides stimulating challenges. It is looking to recruit 150 technicians next year.

Laura Loughran, Commercial Training Manager, Volvo Car UK explains:

“Having had family serve in the Royal Navy, I understand how difficult it can be for those leaving the armed forces to translate their many and varied skills into civilian life. As a leading automotive manufacturer, Volvo has a comprehensive Human Resources support and training programme which we believe will be immensely beneficial for those seeking employment through Mission Automotive.

“In return, the company will gain by being able to recruit from such a huge pool of military talent. I’m full of pride that we will be able to help ex-armed forces personnel match skills learnt in the military with lifelong, sustainable automotive careers.”

Mission Motorsport is the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, whose motto is “Race Retrain Recover” is MoD’s competent authority for motor sport as a recovery activity and is a Royal Foundation (the charitable trust of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) initiative.

A Service Charity and a member of the Confederation of Service Charities, Mission Motorsport has an award-winning collaborative model of working with government and the other service charities.  It is funded by Service Charities including Help for Heroes, ABF The Soldier’s Charity and The Greenwich Hospital as well as by industry partners and independent fundraising.

The charity’s dedicated career managers have supported more than 180 Wounded, Injured and Sick service leavers into employment since the inaugural Invictus Games in September 2014.  Over 1800 veterans have found work through the charity’s programs in industry.