Technology drives fresh look at car sales careers for Sunderland graduates

A “significant shift” in how we buy our vehicles is giving industry bosses the opportunity to shake off old car dealer stereotypes and promote a new career path to future Sunderland graduates.

A group of senior executives from car brands across the region joined together on campus at the University of Sunderland to shine a light on job opportunities the industry now offers as the automotive landscape is changing.

Technology is said to be driving the “major shift” in terms of online sales, digital marketing, customer engagement and a global demand for electric cars.

The executives all anticipate a significant transformation of their sector within the next five years with a need to succession plan for personnel with multi-skills from customer relations, servicing, operational management to agile digital-client management.

Anthony Rockingham, managing director of Croxdale Group, Richard Hyde, head of business of Lookers Audi, and Billy Upton, general sales manager of Stoneacre Newcastle, met up with representatives from the University’s Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism and careers service to explore potential collaborations in digital marketing, placement opportunities and career progression.

Dr Derek Watson, associate professor in Cultural Management at the University of Sunderland, said: “Our discussion with senior executives from the automotive industry further confirmed that our evolving academic programmes are built around much needed knowledge and skills for executive careers.

“We are delighted to have opened up a reciprocal working relationship, in which our students can gain live business exposure and in return provide the automotive industry with innovative solutions and access to our graduates, who can deliver much needed impact, in a highly competitive world.”

Anthony Rockingham, Managing Director of Croxdale Group, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the University on this project. This calibration will no doubt benefit both organisations, as well as the students involved.

“It is unquestionable, the diversity in skill set required to perform in this industry is transferable into many other well recognised industries, not to mention the opportunities to progress into other areas of automotive, such as working with manufacturer partners, production or headline agencies.

“It is for this reason Croxdale Group is committed to help with the programme, to increase awareness and attract great talent which in turn can only allow the automotive industry to become better recognised for its professionalism and speciality.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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