Toyota GB and RRG Group
How six secondary schools across Greater Manchester are receiving fully funded STEM programmes for the next 3 years
The Challenge
Toyota GB recognised a growing challenge facing both the automotive industry and the next generation of talent.
Despite rising demand for STEM skills across the UK, many young people, particularly those from underrepresented and lower socio-economic backgrounds, have limited exposure to the wide range of career opportunities in the automotive sector. Without early, meaningful engagement, many students never consider the industry as a future career.
This contributes to an expanding skills gap in both the automotive and broader STEM sectors. Despite an increase in STEM employment since 2024, 49% of STEM employers still face skills shortages. Additionally, women make up only about 25% of the UK's engineering and technology workforce. Understanding this data is essential for planning the future onboarding of qualified technicians and retaining skilled talent within the automotive industry.
TGB asked a simple but important question:
How can we engage young people in skills-focused STEM education while inspiring them to see the automotive industry as an accessible and rewarding career path?
The answer became clear after their Group Talent Acquisition Lead at one of the RRG dealerships discussed The Learning Partnership’s STEM programme with Toyota GB.
The Investment
Through a collaborative partnership between Toyota GB, RRG Group, and The Learning Partnership, the programme secured funding through the Dr Van Zyl Grant in early 2026, creating a three-year investment in STEM education across Greater Manchester. This initiative focuses on creating meaningful connections between education and industry while giving young people, regardless of their background or gender, direct access to hands-on learning.
Over the next three years, the funding is enabling six secondary schools to participate in The Learning Partnership's Race to the Line, Drive to the Line, and Power to the Line STEM programmes. Through these practical engineering challenges, entire year groups experience real-world STEM applications while developing critical skills.
At the same time, links between local schools and the RRG Toyota dealership network are created. Teams from the Salford Quays, Rochdale, Denton and Macclesfield dealerships engaged directly with students during programme delivery, sharing career opportunities within the automotive industry, and demonstrating the skills technicians use every day.
To further enrich the experience, Toyota Manufacturing UK hosts a dedicated Area Final event at Toyota Academy, bringing together students from all participating schools. During their visit, students tour the manufacturing environment, meet engineers, apprentices and technicians, take part in interactive learning activities, and gain first-hand insight into the Toyota Way.
The Impact
From the six secondary schools, 855 students have taken part in the Race to the Line challenge this year, while strengthening their connections with Toyota GB and the RRG dealership network. Their participation continues for another two years through the Drive to the Line and Power to the Line STEM programmes.
To celebrate their achievements, 45 students from four of the winning school teams progressed to the Race to the Line Regional Area Final at Toyota Academy. The event provided an immersive industry experience with Toyota Manufacturing UK, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the manufacturing facility.
The partnership between education and industry was brought to life when two technical teams from Toyota Manufacturing UK took on the challenge themselves, designing and racing their own model rocket cars alongside the students. Their own model rocket car recorded the highest speed at 47mph!
The competition concluded with six awards recognising excellence in performance, celebrating not only the fastest teams but also engineering, creativity and team spirit.
Results at a Glance:
Confidence in STEM learning and skills increased from 55% to 90% after students completed the Race to the Line challenge.
Interest in automotive careers rose from 37% to 70% following students' visit to Toyota Manufacturing UK.
855 students engaged in practical STEM learning.
6 schools supported across Greater Manchester.
45 students progressed to the Regional Area Final.
4 RRG Toyota dealerships connected with local schools.
“The students thoroughly enjoyed the activity and have spoken very positively about their experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with the subject in a different environment, and they found the session both enjoyable and informative. We really appreciate the time and effort that went into organising the event and look forward to working with you again in the future.”
— Stretford High School, supported by Toyota GB
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