BMW Group to increase number of UK apprentices in 2012

BMW Group is increasing the number of UK apprenticeships available through its company and dealership schemes to around 200 in 2012. The intake is set to double this year to 70 places at MINI’s three production sites across the UK as the plants prepare for the next model generation. In addition, BMW and MINI dealerships are looking to recruit around 130 young people across the UK.

MINI Plant Oxford has 35 places available, with 11 at the Plant Swindon pressings plant and a further 24 at the Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham.  Apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of skills from human resources and business to electrical maintenance and engineering. The training leads to an NVQ level three qualification and some apprentices will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level in the course of their career at MINI.

Dr Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director, MINI Plant Oxford, said: “Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plants; therefore we are delighted to be able to offer young people the chance to join our modern apprenticeship scheme.”

BMW and MINI dealerships in the UK will be recruiting around 130 apprentices in 2012. The programmes are in various disciplines ranging from Service Technician Apprentice, Parts Advisor Apprentice, Motorcycle Technician Apprentice and Body Refinish/Paint Apprentices.

All BMW and MINI apprentices complete the two-year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship at Level 3 and receive VRQ/VCQ qualifications from the Institute of the Motor Industry. Training is carried out at the BMW Group Academy UK, a purpose-built training centre opened in 2006 and located near Reading. In general the minimum entry criteria require between three and four GSCEs at grade C or above (or equivalent). 

Commenting on the 2012 intake, Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group UK, said: "Bringing new talent and fresh thinking  into our dealerships is vital to allow us to provide the best possible service for our customers and so I am delighted that we will welcome around 130 new apprentices to our award- winning scheme in the UK."

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Note to editors

1. Applications for an apprenticeship in MINI production can be made online at www.mini-production-triangle.com and clicking on the “Associates” button. The closing date for applications is 13th March 2012.

2. For more details about apprenticeships in BMW and MINI dealerships, visit the BMW Group UK Careers website at www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/about/dealer_network_careers/apprenticeship. Or contact the BMW Group Academy UK on 0845 234 0000.