A new partnership between NK Motors and Brackenfield School is helping SEND students in Long Eaton explore their future careers and discover the opportunities available in the automotive industry.

The partnership began after NK Motors Dealer Principal Simon Murdock met Helen Diggle, Transition and Employment Manager and Careers Advisor at the school, during the Pride Park Careers Fair earlier this year. After learning how valuable employer engagement is for Brackenfield’s SEND students, NK Motors created a three-week programme to build confidence and showcase the wide range of opportunities within the automotive industry.

Simon launched the initiative on 13 November with a visit to the school. He shared his own career journey and explained that the school environment didn’t play to his strengths. Instead of taking the traditional college or university route, he found his path through hands-on experience and a positive mindset.

He spoke about the importance of mindset and positivity, encouraging students to “dream big” and reminded them that fulfilling careers exist outside academic routes. Students then took part in a lively Q&A, asking about the different roles involved in running a dealership.

On 20 November, fifteen students visited NK Motors’ Chilwell dealership for a behind-the-scenes look at how the business operate, meeting staff across sales, service and support roles and gaining a clear picture of the teamwork and skills required in a modern dealership.

The final session took place on 27 November back at Brackenfield School, where Simon revealed the results of the “Future Career” drawing competition. Students were asked to draw what they want to do when they leave school, or if they are unsure, something that makes them happy. Some 37 students took part, producing thoughtful and imaginative entries.

The standard was so high that Simon chose four winners rather than one. One student drew himself as a builder and added the words “dream big” in the corner, showing how strongly the message had landed. Another spoke confidently about her ambition to work in a café, displaying a level of self-belief that impressed everyone in the room. NK Motors awarded vouchers to the four winners and brought NK-branded cupcakes for all students and staff.

Simon Murdock said:

“It was a privilege to spend time with the students at Brackenfield School. I found that the school environment didn’t play to my strengths, and I didn’t follow the college or university route, so I wanted to show the students that there are still brilliant opportunities available if they approach life with the right mindset."

“The automotive industry offers fulfilling, hands-on careers, from valeting to service administers, and everyone has to start somewhere. The students were engaged, ambitious and incredibly creative, and I absolutely loved spending time with them and encouraging them in their future careers. I’m looking forward to continuing the partnership next year.”

Managing Director Sanj Kumar added:

“Brackenfield School offers an outstanding level of support to its students, and we’re proud to help them explore what their futures could look like. The enthusiasm shown throughout the programme has been remarkable and we look forward to building on this partnership and offering even more opportunities next year.”

NK Motors plans to make the initiative an annual fixture, expanding the programme to give more students the chance to explore different career paths within the automotive sector and beyond.

For further information on NK Motors, visit here.