BMW Plant Oxford and RC Vision announce a dynamic partnership aimed at tackling educational inequality and inspiring the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals in Oxfordshire. This collaboration will bring engaging RC car-based STEM workshops and activities to schools and communities surrounding the iconic MINI production facility.

Oxfordshire faces a stark educational divide, where pockets of deprivation exist alongside renowned institutions like Oxford University and world-leading manufacturing facilities like BMW Plant Oxford. To bridge this gap and ensure all young people have the opportunity to thrive in STEM fields, early engagement is key.  Extracurricular programmes by RC Vision play a significant role in shaping STEM identities, especially for those who may not have access to the informal learning opportunities motorsport provides. Through hands-on activities and engaging real-world applications, RC Vision makes STEM subjects more approachable and fosters a sense of belonging, crucial for identity development. This partnership with BMW Plant Oxford signifies a long-term commitment to addressing this disparity and empowering a new generation of young people to build their network and broaden career horizons.

The partnership will deliver:

• In-school workshops: Curriculum-aligned STEM workshops using RC cars to bring science and engineering principles to life. These workshops will also nurture crucial career management skills while helping students develop a strong STEM identity through hands-on experiences and mentorship.

• After-school clubs: Engaging after-school activities that foster STEM skills, teamwork, and problem-solving in a fun and accessible way, further reinforcing STEM identity and providing valuable experiential learning opportunities.

• Whole community engagement: Involving parents and guardians to create a supportive ecosystem for young people's STEM learning journey.

• High Level RC Racing: Integration with the Mini Masters National RC racing series, with future races being held at Plant Oxford in the historic building where the original Austin and Morris Minis were assembled over 60 years ago. This provides real-world context and career exposure, inspiring young people to envision themselves in future STEM roles.

This comprehensive programme will not only provide valuable STEM learning experiences but also create a pathway for young people to connect their passion for motorsport with potential career opportunities across sectors including the automotive industry.

MINI Plant Oxford:

MINI Plant Oxford has been at the heart of the Oxford community for 110 years and employs over 3,400 highly skilled employees and apprentices, who together build up to 1,000 MINIs a day - one every 67 seconds. It is the third biggest vehicle producer in the UK. Over 500,000 people have worked at this historic site over the years producing over 13 million cars bearing the badges of 14 different brands

Andy Hyde, Founder and CEO of RC Vision, said: "We are thrilled to partner with BMW Plant Oxford on this important initiative.

"By combining the excitement of RC racing with hands-on STEM and career learning, we aim to nurture skills and empower hundreds of young people in Oxfordshire to create a more equitable landscape in STEM careers."

Markus Grüneisl, CEO BMW (UK) Manufacturing Ltd, adds:  "At BMW Plant Oxford, we are committed to investing in our local community and fostering the next generation of talent. 

“This partnership with RC Vision allows us to engage young people in a unique and exciting way, showcasing the possibilities of STEM and supporting them to reach their full potential."

About BMW Plant Oxford:

Dating back to 1913, BMW Plant Oxford is the birthplace of the MINI. Along with BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites all over the world; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

• www.bmwgroup.com

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/