Zoe Breaks Down the Barriers at Automotive Academy

The UK’s top automotive academy has sought the help of a local sixth form student who is looking at ways in which it can attract more females to enrol on courses.

 

Zoe Scully (17) from Bristol is now working closely with the management team at S&B Automotive Academy in Bedminster as part of an internship from Mangotsfield 6th Form College during the summer holidays.

 

Studying a business and finance diploma, Zoe is interested in a career in marketing so jumped at the chance when a short-term marketing assistant role became available at the academy.

 

She is now busy looking at ways in which the academy, which provides apprenticeships for the motor sector, can attract more females to consider a course at what is arguably the country’s leading automotive academy.

 

In particular Zoe is looking at the reasons why so few female school leavers don’t apply to work in the sector and why teachers are historically inclined not to recommend a career in the automotive industry.

 

Zoe said: “I’m very keen to develop a career in marketing and to have an opportunity like this at S&B Automotive Academy is fantastic. I’ve been made very welcome by everyone here and it’s interesting that there are perhaps as many female employees as there are male.

 

“Of course the main reason for my placement is to look at ways to attract more females into the sector from school age so hopefully the research I’m doing and recommendations I’ll come up with will help encourage more women to consider a career in the industry.”

 

With the motor industry traditionally being viewed as male dominant, the academy is keen to dispel this image and highlight the many varied and rewarding careers available to both men and women.

 

Zoe added: “I’ve been speaking to a number of women who are studying courses at the academy and who all think more women should consider a career in the automotive sector.

 

“For those who think they might find it intimidating need to think again as the atmosphere is really friendly and professionalism of the team very welcoming.”

 

Richard Pope, Sales and Marketing Manager at S&B Automotive Academy added: “One of the main objectives of the sector is to attract more females. Zoe has already made some interesting observations and we’ll certainly take on board her recommendations before she goes back to college in September.”

 

The academy currently trains 600 students a year with courses ranging from pre-apprenticeships, through apprenticeships for those working in the motor industry, management training and other short courses.

 

For details please contact S&B Automotive Academy on T 0117 953 3001 or visit the website at http://www.sandbaa.com/