RMI National Franchised Dealer Association director Sue Robinson added: "This is an excellent opportunity for the retail motor sector to showcase the clear opportunities available to young people in the sector."

"We need to attract bright, young and enthusiastic people if we are to maintain the employment and skills levels needed to keep the sector competitive. For many, because of the poor public perception of the industry, the automotive retail sector is not seen as a first choice career option,” said IMI executive chair, Sarah Sillars OBE.

“This initiative aims to engage with young people, careers advisors and influencers to help them understand the range of exciting career prospects in the retail automotive industry.”

Each year the automotive industry takes on around 12,000 retail apprentices and employs more than 700,000 people through retail and aftermarket, design, engineering, manufacturing, and the supply chain.

Retail groups will open up their dealer networks and training academies during November, providing young people with the opportunity to gain insight to the breadth of careers available and will receive invaluable direct contact with current apprentices and employees.

The capability, expertise and innovation in the UK retail sector needs no explanation, last month’s new car registrations figures revealed the largest percentage rise in sales for 23 months driven by almost 15% growth in private demand, while van and truck sales also remained buoyant, up 10% on May last year.