Supporting Futures: How the BMTA Trust is fuelling careers in Scotland’s Motor Trade.

The BMTA Trust is on a mission to provide targeted and relevant financial support to the motor industry community

The BMTA Trust is on a mission to provide targeted and relevant financial support to the motor industry community

They will support people for whom the motor industry is a career path of choice, but where there may be financial or welfare barriers to achieving their ambitions. Subsistence, travel, training course or toolkit costs will all be considered in grant awards, although the Trust is keen not to narrow down the criteria and deter applicants.

In terms of the amount available, each successful application is usually capped at £1,000. However, the Trust is flexible and will consider each grant application based on individual merit and evidence of need.

The grants awarded in 2024 supported both training and welfare related needs.

The BMTA is a leading Motor Trade Association formed in 1913 and acted as a regulatory body serving the needs of both manufacturers and retailers. At one point they were registered as a trade union for the motor industry and for some years had the authority to set and maintain used car values.

They started awarding grants for welfare and education from 1967 and formally became a registered charity in 1982. In 2023, they refocused their approach by targeting their support to individuals, in particular young people, offering grants that empower them to pursue training and unlock their full potential. This forward-thinking initiative aims to build a pipeline of skilled, motivated professionals ready to meet the sector’s changing demands and help employers thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The Scottish Motor Trade Association’s Chief Executive, Alan Gall, is now a trustee of the BMTA Trust and is honoured to have been asked to take up this position, “The BMTA Trust support is vital to young apprentices. The Trust’s financial support comes in the form of non- repayable grants to meet the specific needs of applicants, including course costs, travel and subsistence, and tool costs.

The BMTA Trust is keen to build their relationship with us and the Scottish Motor Trade Association wants to help promote what they do for our members in Scotland so that the BMTA Trust can help even more people”

Who will they help?

YOUNG LEARNERS – apprentices, full time students

ADULTS – retraining, returning to the sector, upskilling to meet growing demands of the market

EMPLOYERS – collaborating to support colleagues

WELFARE NEEDS – they collaborate with other charities for needs outside of their scope

They will consider grant funding for any UK resident who is at least 16, receiving little or no financial support and committed to achieving a learning or career goal in the motor industry.

For more information or assistance, contact the BMTA at enquiries@bmtatrust.org.uk or visit their website bmtatrust.org.uk