Toyota helps the search for new talent and ideas as sponsor of Autocar’s Drivers of Change
Toyota is proud to be a sponsor of Autocar’s Drivers of Change for a third year, supporting the search to attract and nurture new talent in the automotive industry.
The competition, hosted by Autocar in partnership with executive search specialists Ennis and Co, aims to attract the brightest and best talents to submit their ideas on how to transform the industry in key areas. Its relevance is all the greater today, in light of the skills shortage that is affecting all business sectors.
For 2022, the competition categories have been refreshed and revised to reflect the changing automotive landscape. The aim remains the same: to identify and promote the best talent across the key areas of diversity and inclusion, digital and retail, with a view to giving entrants’ ideas the right exposure to help bring them to market.
This year there is a new Diversity and Inclusion Award, acknowledging how the automotive industry is moving to become a more appealing career prospect for everyone in society. The digital category is for innovations in the digital space that can benefit customers, retailers, manufacturers, start-ups or any other relevant party. Retail is for bright ideas that improve customer service or business practices in the retail space.
The initiative is open to anyone who can make a difference in any of the three categories. Prior experience isn’t required – the range of entrants spans from those starting out in their career to those with more experience, be that within the automotive world or outside of it. The key is to have an idea or be delivering a plan that could challenge the status quo. Details of how to enter are provided below.
Steve Cropley, Autocar’s Editor in Chief, said: “I continue to be amazed at the automotive industry and how it is constantly evolving. The key to that is the amazing people who work within it. It attracts the brightest minds and we feel it is part of our duty here at Autocar to help find and nurture the next generation of talented thinkers.
“The beauty of Drivers of Change is that it’s open to all. You might be fresh out of university or school, or 20 years into a successful career – the remit is wide and there is no upper age limit. We want to hear from people who are problem solvers.”
Rachel Shepherd, Toyota (GB) General Manager, People and Workplace Experience, commented: “Toyota places a high value on ideas and innovation that can help us achieve our goal of mobility for all, with no one left behind. Through our continued support for Autocar’s Drivers of Change, we can foster inspiration and creativity that can help deliver transformation across the automotive world. The competition’s focus on diversity and inclusion, digital and retail recognises key areas where see tremendous potential for positive change that can benefit businesses and people alike.”
Lynda Ennis, Ennis and Co founder, said: “Autocar’s Drivers of Change showcases the brightest and best individuals who are enabling the automotive and mobility revolution. The demand for intelligent, creative and motivated people has never been greater as companies compete to attract the individuals needed to deliver their ambitious plans.
“It is exciting to read the applications, knowing that these are the people who will drive the future. I encourage everyone to apply and give themselves the best opportunity to succeed in this fantastic industry.”
Participants must be aged 18 or over to take part. Ideas should be submitted to Liam Hughes at liam.hughes@ennisco.com. Entrants should provide a personal CV and 500-word statement detailing their idea. A video and/or presentation is also permitted. The closing date for entries is 23 September 2022. The winners from each category will be invited to attend the annual Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders dinner in November 2022.
ENDS
