{"id":69777,"date":"2025-09-10T16:18:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T20:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/drivers-of-change-new-talent-awards-spotlight-rising-stars-in-automotive-industry\/"},"modified":"2025-09-10T16:18:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T20:18:07","slug":"drivers-of-change-new-talent-awards-spotlight-rising-stars-in-automotive-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/drivers-of-change-new-talent-awards-spotlight-rising-stars-in-automotive-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Drivers of Change New Talent Awards Spotlight Rising Stars in Automotive Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Are the Drivers of Change: New Talent Awards Making Headlines in the Automotive World?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve spent any time following the automotive industry lately, you might\u2019ve noticed a buzz around the Drivers of Change: New Talent awards. And honestly, it\u2019s not hard to see why. These awards are quickly becoming a big deal\u2014not just for the winners, but for the entire industry. So, what\u2019s all the excitement about? At its core, this initiative is about shining a spotlight on the rising stars who are shaping the future of cars, mobility, and everything in between.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s edition is especially notable because it celebrates individuals at the very start of their automotive careers\u2014think apprentices or those in their first two years on the job. It\u2019s a refreshing change from the usual focus on seasoned veterans. The message is clear: the industry wants new voices, fresh perspectives, and people from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

How Does the Awards Process Work and Who Can Be Nominated?<\/p>\n

One of the most appealing aspects of the Drivers of Change: New Talent awards is just how inclusive the process is. There are no rigid categories or narrow definitions of what makes someone a \u201cdriver of change.\u201d If you know someone\u2014maybe it\u2019s a colleague, a mentee, or even yourself\u2014who\u2019s made an impact in their first role in the automotive sector, they\u2019re eligible.<\/p>\n

The entry deadline has even been extended to Wednesday, 24 September, giving everyone a bit more breathing room to get those nominations in. Whether someone\u2019s working on the shop floor, in design, engineering, sales, or any other corner of the industry, what matters most is the story they have to tell and the difference they\u2019re making.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s not just about individuals. The awards also recognize companies that go above and beyond to support new talent. This dual focus ensures that both people and organizations are celebrated for their commitment to nurturing the next generation.<\/p>\n

What Makes This Initiative Stand Out from Other Industry Awards?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest\u2014there\u2019s no shortage of awards in the automotive world. But Drivers of Change is carving out a unique space. For starters, it\u2019s run in association with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), lending it real credibility. More importantly, it\u2019s about more than just technical achievement or sales numbers.<\/p>\n

The heart of this program is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Earlier this year, the inaugural list of 40 Drivers of Change was packed with individuals making waves in DEI initiatives. That\u2019s a big deal, especially in an industry that\u2019s historically struggled with representation and inclusivity. By celebrating those who are breaking down barriers and opening doors, the awards are helping to reshape the culture of automotive workplaces.<\/p>\n

Why Is Supporting New Talent So Critical for the Future of Automotive?<\/p>\n

The automotive sector is in the midst of a transformation\u2014think electrification, automation, and the push toward sustainability. According to a 2023 report from the UK Automotive Council, the industry will need to fill over 50,000 new roles by 2030, many of which require skills that didn\u2019t even exist a decade ago.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where initiatives like Drivers of Change come in. By recognizing and supporting new talent, the industry is investing in its own future. It\u2019s not just about filling jobs; it\u2019s about attracting people who bring new ideas, challenge the status quo, and help companies adapt to rapid change.<\/p>\n

Real-world example? Look at the rise of apprenticeships in electric vehicle (EV) technology. Companies that nurture young talent in this area are already seeing the payoff, with faster innovation cycles and a more adaptable workforce.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Broader Impact on Company Culture and Industry Perception?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s face it: the automotive industry hasn\u2019t always had the best reputation as a welcoming place for newcomers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Programs like Drivers of Change are helping to flip that script. By publicly celebrating both individuals and companies that champion new talent, the awards send a powerful message\u2014this is an industry where anyone can build a thriving career, regardless of where they started.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just lip service, either. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that companies with diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform their peers financially. When organizations invest in fresh talent and inclusive practices, it\u2019s not just good for morale\u2014it\u2019s good for business.<\/p>\n

How Can You Get Involved or Nominate Someone Deserving?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re reading this and thinking of someone who fits the bill, don\u2019t hesitate. The nomination process is straightforward, and entries are open now. You can submit a nomination online, and there\u2019s no need to worry about fitting into a specific category. The focus is on compelling stories and real impact.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re part of a company that\u2019s making a difference for new starters, this is your chance to get recognized on a national stage. Winners will be celebrated at a special event at Stellantis\u2019s UK headquarters in Coventry on 13 November\u2014a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for Drivers of Change and the Broader Talent Movement?<\/p>\n

The Drivers of Change: New Talent awards are just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Each spring, the industry also celebrates Autocar Great Women, with a focus on rising stars every other year. Drivers of Change will now take its place in the autumn calendar, ensuring that the spotlight stays on fresh faces and new ideas year-round.<\/p>\n

The outcome? A more dynamic, innovative, and inclusive automotive industry\u2014one where talent is recognized early and often, and where everyone has a chance to drive change.<\/p>\n

If you care about the future of cars, mobility, and the people behind the wheel (and under the hood), this is a moment worth paying attention to. The road ahead is wide open\u2014and it\u2019s the new talent who\u2019ll be steering us forward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"DOC<\/a><\/p>\n

Latest edition will celebrate rising automotive talent; winners to be celebrated at a special event at Stellantis HQ in November<\/p>\n

\n

You now have extra time to submit your nominations for the Autocar Drivers of Change: New Talent awards, as\u00a0the deadline for entries has been extended to Wednesday 24 September.<\/p>\n

Held in association with the SMMT, the second running of the\u00a0Drivers of Change awards will celebrate\u00a0individuals who are either apprentices or in the first two years of their career, and the company that’s doing the most to support them.<\/p>\n

The goal of Drivers of Change is to celebrate\u00a0the automotive industry as a place where you can have a thriving career irrespective of your background and to promote the industry as a great place to work for those from all different\u00a0backgrounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the New Talent edition,\u00a0that can be as simple as having started and made an impact in a first role in the industry. We will name the stand-out stars, and the company that is doing the most to support new talent, in a ceremony\u00a0at Stellantis’s UK\u00a0headquarters in Coventry on 13 November.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

We encourage you to spread the word and consider nominating anyone from your wider organisation \u2013 no matter which\u00a0sector of the automotive industry \u2013\u00a0who meets these broad criteria and has a compelling story to tell.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Entries are now open – submit your nomination here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There will be no specific categories in which to enter and anyone named on our list can\u00a0call themselves an Autocar Driver of Change. Earlier this year, 40 individuals were named in the inaugural Autocar Drivers of Change for their work mainly in DEI initiatives, in a ceremony at the SMMT headquarters in February.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This forms part of a refreshed calendar of events at Autocar. Each spring we will continue to host Autocar Great Women, which every other year will celebrate Rising Stars. Drivers of Change\u00a0will follow a similar cadence in this new autumn slot, where it will remain in future years.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":69778,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-69777","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-featured","8":"category-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69777"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69777\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}