SMMT News

MINI launches See Inside Manufacturing involvement by announcing Imperial College R&D collaboration

06 June 2012 #SMMT News

MINI UK’s Oxford manufacturing facility recently welcomed Professor Lord Robert Winston and colleagues from Imperial College London as part of a developing relationship between the two organisations to find laboratory apprentices for the plant.

Each year the applications for places in business, engineering and maintenance based apprenticeships at the MINI Plant are oversubscribed. However, the specific calibre of apprentice required in the laboratory has been difficult to find. Candidates will focus on chemistry process technology, which includes chemical analysis, paint, adhesives and corrosion as well as material science.

Science and Society Professor, Lord Winston said, “The need for better connections between education and industry has never been more important. I am very excited that we are forging a collaboration between the MINI Plant and Imperial College, which will lead to more school children realising how they can contribute to the UK’s manufacturing base.”

Speaking on behalf of the Lab, Oliver Wilmore commented, “We hope that Lord Winston and his team will provide the ‘missing link’ and help us to secure the right capability and mindset for future apprenticeships in the lab.”

The visit by Lord Winston represents the start of the second year of See Inside Manufacturing involvement for MINI’s UK manufacturing sites. The government-industry initiative underlines the importance of the automotive sector to the UK economy and its attractiveness as a sector offering exciting career opportunities.

To find out more about how UK automotive is participating in government’s See Inside Manufacturing initiative through June, click here.

Filter News

Update Newsletter