SMMT News

Business Minister, Mark Prisk joins school children to ‘See Inside BMW Manufacturing’

14 October 2011 #SMMT News

The Business Minister was joined by 30 teenagers from The Sandwell Academy, who were given the chance to tour BMW’s engine production plant, in Hams Hall, near Birmingham, take part in an interactive manufacturing challenge and meet apprentices currently working at the plant.

Government’s ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative, underlines the importance of the automotive industry to the UK economy and the range of exciting career opportunities it offers.

“Today’s event at Hams Hall is a fantastic behind-the-scenes opportunity for local children to see what goes into making iconic cars,” said Business Minister, Mark Prisk. “The government’s ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative is helping to show students and teachers across the UK that a career in industry can be interesting and rewarding.”

Speaking about the visit, Nick Spencer, Director of the BMW Hams Hall plant, said, “We are always keen to welcome schools into the plant. 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.”

Currently in the fourth year of his engineering apprenticeship, Richard Kirkland, 22, from Great Barr, said, “I am really enjoying working for BMW and I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to other young people. The scheme is giving me the chance to gain academic qualifications as well as valuable work experience, and the opportunity of a career path within a large global company.”

Around 300 secondary school pupils from around the West Midlands will participate in the ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ events at the Hams Hall plant, which continue to run until 21 October.

There are currently 109 apprentices across the company’s production plants at Oxford, Swindon, Hams Hall, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited in Goodwood.

For more information about ‘See Inside Manufacturing, click here.

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