Jaguar, McLaren et al open factory doors

What do Aston Martin, McLaren, Lotus, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Honda and Land Rover have in common? They all have manufacturing plants in the UK, and they're all opening their doors to young people.

As part of the 'See Inside Manufacturing' initiative, the idea is to expose young adults to manufacturing and to get them interested in the idea of working in such an industry by giving them unfettered access to a range of different car makers - from the exotic to the pedestrian.

The initiative is "...designed to shift outmoded misconceptions about manufacturing" reads the official press statement, and since being launched in 2011 it is now in its second year after proving to be an unmitigated success.

The UK government has even expanded the program to include aerospace, defence and food/beverage manufacturing companies, such were the results.

Is this something the Australian automotive manufacturing industry should look at? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

The UK Minister for Business, Mark Prisk, commented that the programme was changing the way young people see manufacturing, and had the potential to influence their education direction as a result.

"See Inside Manufacturing is about changing perceptions of modern manufacturing and showing young people, teachers and careers advisers that the industry offers interesting and rewarding job opportunities.

"It’s encouraging to have iconic names like Allied Vehicles, Aston Martin, BMW, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover all signing up to take part. Last year thousands of people got to see just what exciting opportunities lie in the sector and wider supply chain, and I urge people to come along and see for themselves what modern manufacturing is all about," he said.

For more details on the See Inside Manufacturing initiative, check the official website.