New automotive course has driving ambition to tackle global skills shortage

28 October 2013

28 October 2013

A new training course for the car industry is being launched to act as a springboard from which a new generation of experts can be created.

The Centre for Automotive Management at The University of Buckingham Business School is running the three day course in a bid to address the global skills shortage.

The world’s automotive industry is refocusing following the global financial crisis but the shortage of basic industry skills to underpin that recovery is a major challenge. In mature markets, such as Europe, expertise has been haemorrhaging from the industry for more than two decades. In the world’s emerging markets the shortage of basic industry skills is acute.

A Comprehensive Introduction to the Global Automotive Industry will offer a highly practical insight into the entire structure of the global automotive industry. It has been created to help bridge the acute knowledge gap in emerging markets and to help rebuild industry competitiveness, awareness and knowledge in mature markets. The programme explains how the industry works today and how we can help to develop a sustainable industry for future generations

John Spoerry, Head of Professional and Executive Development at Buckingham Business School, said: “The programme is open to any person or organisation currently involved in, associated with or having an interest in, developing a business or career in the automotive industry. The training programme is designed to provide course members with a broad understanding of the automotive industry, the way the main elements link together and likely future developments.”

Those completing the programme will receive a University of Buckingham Certificate of Achievement. Mr Spoerry added: “We believe that by participating in this unique short training programme participants will also be encouraged to take part in our award bearing programmes such as The Professional Certificate in Automotive Management.”

The programme, which has been developed by Buckingham Business School Visiting Fellows David Cardle and John Sparrow, with the support of a number of experienced motor industry colleagues, covers seventeen core industry topics. The programme follows a vehicle from design, product development, factory design and layout through manufacturing, logistics, distribution, retail, after sales to end of life and recycling.

John Sparrow has over 40 years’ UK and international automotive experience together with a significant level of strategic and operational knowledge and expertise. John’s previous positions include Head of Network Development for Honda Motor Europe (EMEA Region); Director, Business Development in BMW Group and Rover Group; Director, UK Operations and Director UK Sales, Land Rover Ltd. He currently works as an independent automotive consultant.

David Cardle is Founder and Managing Director of Frazer-Nash Associates Limited and has more than 40 years’ experience at senior management and board level in the global automotive supply chain and logistics sector. David provides commercial, operational and strategic expertise to a number of high profile automotive clients in the U.K, Mainland Europe, Russia and Far East.

Professor Peter Cooke, who established the Centre for Automotive Management (CAM) at The University of Buckingham Business School in 2007, added: “The subject matter is practical and not theoretical and will be delivered by highly experienced automotive industry professionals who have in total more than 120 years’ experience working at senior international levels in the global automotive industry. As a result we are able to deliver this programme not only in the UK but in any other part of the world and it can be tailored to meet individual company or market requirements, a very flexible and portable programme indeed.”

Buckingham is in an area of Formula One motor racing – Silverstone is less than 10 miles away, Mercedes is at Brackley, Lotus is at Enstone, Red Bull is at Milton Keynes and Williams is at Grove.

The University of Buckingham Business School will be running the three day (Tuesday to Thursday) programme at the University Campus on these dates next year: 25-27 March; 1-3 April; 24-26 June; 1-3 July; 16-18 September.

In addition, from November 2013 the University is able to offer specific company three-day programmes on dates and at locations of the company’s choice.