Triumph of Hinckley has announced new initiatives to attract younger people into the motorcycle industry, countering fears that the industry has an ageing workforce as well as customer base.

The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) is well aware of the problem, and at last November’s Motorcycle Live show ran a Careers Hub stand with BikeJobs and the National Motorcycle Dealers Association, which resulted in 150 serious enquiries.

Now Triumph is to launch a range of schemes to encourage young entrants into motorcycle engineering, retail and design. In an interview with MCN, Paul Stroud, Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Our dedicated STEM Outreach team is also planning the new Triumph Design Awards, which is an opportunity for students to showcase their innovative designs and ideas to industry professionals. We are aiming to relaunch this in 2024 as a more inclusive programme, so that we can ensure that the opportunities it brings are available to all students, irrespective of background.”

He added that Triumph already supports three-year apprenticeships alongside its dealers, providing training as technicians ending with a qualification in Motor Vehicle Engineering from the Institute of the Motor Industry. The company was especially keen to support students living in areas with low participation in higher education, encouraging youngsters with engineering scholarships – 53 of these have been awarded for 2023, providing students with £3000 a year for three years to help with the cost of study.

Jim Freeman, Chair of the BMF, welcomed the move: “ A fantastic initiative, with some serious cash to back it up. Well done Triumph!”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk