Industry Interview: Emma (Worthington) Speed, Managing Director, AutoRaise 

ARC360 and ILC recently caught up with Emma (Worthington) Speed, Managing Director of AutoRaise – the charity dedicated to bridging the skills gap in the vehicle repair industry – to discuss its evolution, explore its new bursary funding programme, and understand more of its planned industry impact. 

For those who may not be familiar, can you briefly introduce AutoRaise and its mission? 

AutoRaise is the vehicle repair industry’s dedicated charity focused on attracting, developing and retaining talent. Our mission is to address the skills crisis by championing apprenticeships and opening up real career pathways, especially for young people, into this vital sector. We connect employers with future technicians, offer support and advocacy, and work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to ensure skills development stays high on the agenda. 

AutoRaise has been through a period of transformation recently – can you tell us what’s changed and why? 

Over the past year, we’ve refreshed almost every part of the charity – from our governance and leadership to our funding model and strategic priorities. We’ve appointed a new Chair, a new Board of Trustees, a fantastic new Patron, and we’re now delivering everything with greater transparency, measurable impact and accountability. The catalyst was simple: the industry needs a modern, agile skills charity that can respond to urgent needs while building for the long term. That’s what we’re becoming. 

Let’s talk about the bursary. What prompted AutoRaise to launch this initiative? 

The bursary was born out of necessity. Too many young people were struggling to start apprenticeships, and too many small businesses simply couldn’t afford to take them on. We wanted to remove that initial barrier to entry and give both apprentices and employers the breathing space to get started. It’s a practical, targeted way to unlock opportunities where they’re most needed. 

How does the bursary work in practical terms – who is it for, and how are recipients selected? 

We’re working with selected training providers and employers to offer additional financial support, which the Levy doesn’t cover, during the critical first six months of the apprenticeship. This could be associated expenses including travel, equipment, or wages – whatever’s needed to keep someone on track. It’s focused on small to medium-sized businesses and young people who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to begin their journey. 

What kind of impact will the bursary have on apprentices and the repair businesses? 

Early signs are really encouraging. For apprentices, it’s the confidence and support they need to get through that tricky first stretch. For businesses, it’s about reducing the risk and cost of recruitment so they can invest in future talent. We’re already seeing retention benefits – and we know the financial case stacks up. One apprentice can generate up to £50,000 in revenue per year. Multiply that and the long-term return on investment is significant. 

The bursary was funded by donations this year – how are you hoping to make it sustainable going forward? 

Our goal is to establish a sustainable, industry-led funding model. That means growing our donor base, particularly among insurers, networks, and larger repair groups – and providing transparent reporting and tangible outcomes in return. We’ve also developed communications packages and visibility opportunities for our investors, so it’s a partnership in every sense. 

We know that skills shortages are one of the sector’s biggest challenges. How do bursaries like this contribute to long-term solutions? 

They remove the bottleneck at the start of the pipeline. If we can help more young people enter the industry – and more employers take a chance on training them – we’re addressing the root of the skills shortage. It’s not just about numbers, either. It’s about creating diverse, engaged, and motivated workforces. 

Why is it particularly important to support smaller repair businesses when it comes to apprenticeships? 

Smaller businesses often deliver some of the best hands-on training, but they can’t always absorb the upfront costs. If we ignore them, we cut off a huge portion of the sector from the talent pool. Supporting those employers means preserving skills, creating local opportunities, and levelling the playing field. 

You’ve spoken before about retention and age diversity – how does the bursary programme support those broader goals? 

Retention improves when people feel supported from day one. That’s what the bursary provides. And when young people see visible, relatable routes into the industry, especially in smaller, community-based businesses, they’re more likely to stay. The bursary also helps balance the age demographic across workshops, bringing in the next generation to learn alongside experienced techs before they retire. 

What would you say to an insurer or repair business thinking about supporting AutoRaise? 

You’re not just donating – you’re investing. In your future workforce, in your network’s success, and in the long-term health of the industry. We offer real impact, real visibility, and a clear plan. If you’ve been asking “what can we do to fix the skills gap?” – this is your answer. 

What’s next for the bursary scheme – and how can people get involved? 

We’re aiming to grow the programme significantly in the next year – more apprentices, more providers, more businesses supported. We’ll also be launching a Youth Advisory Board to ensure young voices are heard in shaping what comes next. If you’re interested in investing, partnering or just learning more, we’d love to talk. Visit www.autoraise.co.uk or drop us a line.