Motoring news: Wales Rally Competition; Winning spirit; You're hired; A real good show

MAKE A SPLASH WITH THE WALES RALLY COMPETITION

Ever dreamt of designing a radical colour scheme for the fiercest rides in motorsport? Well, now's your chance. Wales Rally GB, the UK's most spectacular motorsport event, is being held on 1-3 December. You're invited to take part in a competition, the winner of which will transform a rally car competing in the race. By designing the car livery, you can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Andy Warhol, who designed the BMW M1 Art Car. The successful designer will win a VIP pass for their family to watch their car competing and also witness the application of the livery with their class. To enter your school (sorry, if you're out of school, you're too old!), contact Carina Hill at artcar@provapr.co.uk to request an Art Car Design Pack.

There are lots of reasons to find out more about the rally. The Cardiff Super Special Stage is hugely popular, with last year's first-ever indoor stage proving a great hit with spectators and drivers alike. Organisers expect it to be a popular Christmas family treat with spectacular fireworks and stunts. Get your tickets at www.walesrallygb.com or by calling 0870 060 1764.

THE WINNING SPIRIT

Career Driven is delighted to announce the winners of our autumn/winter issue Nintendo DS competition, Gavin Hendry and Anthony Organ, who gave the best answers to our competition question: Why would you like to work in the motor industry?

Gavin, 16, from Caithness, replied: "I would love to work in the motor industry because it is an industry that is rapidly changing and it means you have to keep up with it and the technology."

Anthony, 18, of Burnham-on-Sea wrote: "I've been out with my family since I was really young, helping to fix their cars, and have always really enjoyed myself. I know a bit about cars but want to know everything because one day I want to make my own go-kart and eventually make my own road car."

We'd like to thank all who took the time to take part. But if you missed out this time, there's another chance to win big - fast forward to page 24 to find out more.

YOU'RE HIRED!

You may have been gripped by Alan Sugar and his finger-pointing, ego-crushing antics in the last series of The Apprentice, but you may not realise that you don't have to be in a reality show to launch a glittering career as an apprentice.

The Learning and Skills Council's Apprenticeship Awards 2006, on June 15, was a night to remember for aspiring motor industry trainees. David Airey of Lancashire (pictured), won a commendation in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award. The design engineer, 21, overcame dyslexia to complete an advanced apprenticeship in commercial vehicle bodybuilding last year. Impressed bosses at learning-provider Training 2000 put David forward. "I am very proud to have been shortlisted for this award. Since day one of my apprenticeship I have taken every opportunity to gain experience across all aspects of the business," he said.

Others celebrating at the Oscars-style ceremony were Jaguar Land Rover, who were commended in the Employer of the Year Award for large businesses, and Alex Morley of Hampshire, winning a commendation in the Young Apprentice of the Year category. To find out more about Alex and all about apprenticeships, turn to our special features on pages 26 and 29.

A REAL GOOD SHOW

The Careers Village at The British International Motor Show was a huge draw at ExCeL in London, from 18 to 30 July. Visitors endured tropical temperatures in order to see all the latest model launches, including the much-anticipated new Land Rover Freelander and Vauxhall's latest Corsa, and to find out more about careers in the motor industry.

More than 420,000 people visited the show. Staff at the Careers Village, led by Automotive Skills with support from Automotive Academy, City & Guilds, Institute of the Motor industry, Learning Grid, SEMTA and SMMT Industry Forum, were supported by employees from Bentley, Citroën, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover. The most popular enquiries were on design, apprenticeships and motorsport - and you'll find features on all of these in this magazine. For stories and photos from the show, go to www.automotiveskills.org.uk/motorshow.