Inspiring Careers in the Classic Automotive Industry
Running and supporting career events is a core part of what we do at StarterMotor, connecting with the next generation of enthusiasts and helping them discover rewarding careers in the classic and historic automotive industry.
Words by Gracie Haddon
In recent months, we’ve been working closely with local county Enterprise teams that specialise in supporting schools and their Careers Leads. Together, we’re helping to ensure students have the resources, understanding, and support they need as they prepare to enter the world of work. Their insight, access to schools, and expertise in career development have been invaluable as we continue to build meaningful pathways into our sector.
With our home base at Bicester Motion, the Oxfordshire Careers Hub has become a natural partner. They provide a vital link to schools and offer a wealth of knowledge when it comes to nurturing young talent.
In 2025, StarterMotor attended, supported, or hosted 15 career events ranging from on-site careers mornings at Bicester Motion to large-scale fairs and school-based Human Libraries. So far in 2026, we’ve already taken part in seven events, and we’re on track to comfortably surpass last year’s total.
Most recently, we participated in Careers Fest, organised by Enterprise Oxfordshire. Held at the Kassam Stadium, this exceptional two-day event welcomed more than 3,000 students from 32 schools, alongside 80+ exhibitors and 800 attendees at the Twilight Session. Across both days, we worked alongside the Heritage Skills Academy to engage students with a genuine interest in careers within the classic and historic motoring world.
The impact of this consistent engagement is now becoming clear. The truth is that identifying young people with a passion for this industry can feel a bit like panning for gold. Typically, only 3–5% of secondary school students show a pre-existing interest in the sector. However, by working consistently with local schools and engaging directly with students, we’re seeing encouraging results. Increasingly, students recognise us at events, seek us out, and return to share updates on their progress.
At Careers Fest alone, several students approached us to talk about their CV development and work experience applications, an incredibly rewarding sign that our efforts are making a difference.
Word of mouth is proving just as powerful. One of our young Ambassadors, Dexter, recently secured a Saturday role with Oxfordshire Sevens, a company that specialises in the restoration, repair and maintenance of Austin Seven cars. Though this opportunity was facilitated through StarterMotor, it was only possible because of Ian Tillamn, the owner of Oxfordshire Sevens, whose committed and generous support of the charity is helping to inspire and educate the next generation of technicians. Judging by the number of students asking about opportunities to work on Austin Sevens (many of them friends of Dexter), it’s clear that the message is spreading. Young people are sharing their experiences and realising that exciting opportunities exist in the old car world.
These moments are a powerful reminder of the impact that early engagement and industry support can have. By showing up consistently, at schools, shows and events, we’re helping young enthusiasts build confidence, find direction, and feel a genuine sense of belonging within the classic and historic motoring community.
