Previous Page
Word on the Wire By Andy Latham andy@salvagewire.com
Issuing a Challenge to Go Inspire the Next Generation
love reading this magazine. The level of professionalism that is portrayed through the varied and interesting articles is an example to many industries across the globe, is second to none, and shows how the best in the industry want to share their knowledge, experience, and wisdom with their colleagues, friends, and in some cases their competitors.
I Did I say competitors? Why contribute
to Automotive Recycling magazine then, I hear you ask. My answer is because we have a passion for our profession, our industry and our friends and colleagues, we all want them to grow, learn, develop and become successful because a stronger industry is better for us all. But I am preaching to the converted here. Most readers of this magazine are members of the Automotive Recyclers Association either personally or because their employer is a member, and the time taken reading Automotive Recycling will be time well spent.
The conundrum is how to expand this wealth of knowledge and experience to a wider audience, get more businesses and individuals contributing, participat- ing and involved in local, national, and international associations dedicated to improving their working lives, their con- tinued professional development and this industry. We are all professionals. We all have a passion for our industry. We can see how our industry is developing as vehicle tech- nology, working practices, environmental standards and consumer demands change, and I am sure that we are all looking for motivated staff who we can inspire, train and develop into the auto recyclers of tomorrow.
A recent presentation by an ambassa- dor of the Bloodhound SSC project got me thinking about the future of the indus- try. The Bloodhound project was initiated by a previous government in the UK to specifically inspire school students
28 Automotive Recycling | July-August 2015
towards Science, Technology, Engineer- ing and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, and also to build a car that could exceed 1,000 miles per hour.
Also, a few years ago I was involved in a project to inspire school students to look at computer design. It inspired the lead- ers and professionals as well as the stu- dents. We all learned about each other, how to present ourselves to the students, and the industry we represent. Auto Recycling activities cover Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathe- matics, and this knowledge will become even more important and relevant as new technologies are developed for the vehicles we drive every day; new metals and composites become more wide- spread in vehicle construction; the need to re-use, reduce and recycle more and more vehicle components grows and IT system development.
So I would like to issue a challenge to the global auto recycling industry to go into schools and to inspire them become involved in the auto recycling industry. It involves a commitment to the future of this industry, it will cost some of the pro- fessionals across the globe time and effort, yet this challenge could reward those involved immensely.
Being able to inspire and then mentor young people in business is an honor I have had the opportunity to do a few times. It takes time, effort, and commit- ment, and there are sometimes failures and disappointments. Yet, I have never stopped learning from these experiences and believe that I am a better person, employer, leader, and colleague as a result.
So here is the challenge to all auto recy- cling professionals and the associations they are part of – the future of this indus- try is in your hands. You can inspire the younger generation to join this industry, learn, develop, and grow their own skills and abilities, and ultimately take the reigns and lead this industry locally, nationally, and globally.
Andy Latham is Managing Director of Salvage Wire, a unique Auto Recycling consultancy with a focus on Safety, Ethics, and Profitability for all clients. With over 30 years of experience
in the automotive industry, Andy shares his knowledge, ex- perience, and wisdom garnered as an engineer, manager, and leader. For more details of Salvage Wire Training please contact Andy Latham on andy@salvagewire.com, or look at the website www.salvagewire.com