BMW Group is looking for around 160 young people to take up apprenticeships available through its manufacturing and dealership schemes in 2014. The new recruits will join more than 400 apprentices currently undergoing training across the UK.
MINI is hoping to attract 49 new apprentices to its UK manufacturing network in August 2014, as the plants ramp up production of the next model generation. In addition, BMW and MINI dealerships are looking to recruit around 110 young people across the UK.
MINI Plant Oxford has 31 places available in a variety of areas ranging from finance and logistics to engineering and IT. Technical apprentices will attend Oxford’s new bespoke training school, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop.
There are 10 apprenticeships available at the Swindon pressings plant and a further eight at the Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham. Apprenticeships last between three and four years and leads to an NVQ level three qualification, some young people will have the opportunity to progress through to degree level.
For the 110 apprentices to be recruited to MINI and BMW dealerships, there are courses in various disciplines including service technician, parts advisor, and body panel/paint.
Matthew Hancock, Skills and Enterprise Minister, said, “It is always encouraging to see large employers, such as BMW, committing to employing more apprentices. This scheme is a great opportunity for a young person with an interest in the automotive sector to begin a rewarding career. I want choosing university or an apprenticeship to be the new norm for young people and the range of positions available demonstrate this is becoming a reality.”
Commenting on the 2014 intake, Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group UK, said, “Bringing new talent into our dealerships is vital to ensure we provide the best possible service for our customers and so I am delighted that we will welcome over 100 new apprentices to our award-winning scheme in the UK.”
