Today, BMW Plant Hams Hall hosted a visit by careers advisers and teachers from local schools as part of a government-industry initiative to highlight careers in manufacturing for young people.
The 40 visitors from schools across the county were given the chance to see first-hand the broad range of career opportunities manufacturing has to offer, as well as to gain a deeper insight into the apprentice schemes run at the plant. The Government-supported ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative underlines the importance of the automotive industry to the UK economy and the range of exciting career opportunities it offers.
Beverley Paterson, business and enterprise co-ordinator attending from the Heart of England school said: “This was an excellent event that gave a great insight into the fantastic opportunities open to young people. Apprentices from BMW presented to us the benefits of being able to progress their education, gain valuable practical experiences, as well as additional opportunities that come from being part of a large global organisation such as travel and working in different countries.”
Mathias Hofmann, director of the plant said: “The training and development of young people is a vital aspect of our role and responsibility as an employer, and is particularly pertinent as the plant prepares for the future.
“The apprenticeship scheme benefits the business by developing highly-skilled employees that are perfectly matched to our operational needs. Apprenticeships are highly valued by us for the unique blend of knowledge, skills and practical experience they offer. For that reason they are an attractive career path to students considering their future employment options in a manufacturing sector that offers so many exciting possibilities.”
There are 100 apprentices currently working across the company’s production plants in the UK. The training leads to an NVQ level three qualification and apprentices have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level.
James Butler, currently in his fourth year of an engineering maintenance apprenticeship at BMW Plant Hams Hall, said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship with BMW. Not only am I getting a great education, but also real, hands on learning opportunities. I hope by talking about my own personal experiences I have had a positive influence on the visitors today and they will feel motivated to direct more young people into manufacturing.”
BMW Group UK opened up their production plants across the UK to more than 120 careers advisors and teachers as part of the See Inside Manufacturing event.
Earlier this month, the chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, Dr Norbert Reithofer met with Prime Minister David Cameron and announced that the company is investing a further £500m in its UK manufacturing facilities over the next three years.
The investment, the majority of which will be will be used to create new production facilities and equipment will help to safeguard over 5,000 jobs in its UK production network. It takes the company’s investment in the UK to more than £1.5 billion since 2000.
Click through to find out more about the ‘See Inside Manufacturing‘ initative.
