PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
BMW Group seeks 160 new apprentices to join UK manufacturing and dealer operations in 2014
Thu Jan 09 16:37:00 CET 2014 Press Release
BMW Group is looking for around 160 young people with a passion for the motor industry to take up apprenticeships available through its company and dealership schemes in 2014. The new recruits will join over 400 existing apprentices currently undergoing training across the company’s UK operations, and within its BMW and MINI dealer network, with some able to rise beyond NVQ to degree qualifications.
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Angela Stangroom
BMW Group
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BMW Group is looking for around 160 young people with a passion for the motor industry to take up apprenticeships available through its company and dealership schemes in 2014. The new recruits will join over 400 existing apprentices currently undergoing training across the company’s UK operations, and within its BMW and MINI dealer network, with some able to rise beyond NVQ to degree qualifications.
In its MINI UK production network, the business is looking for 49 new apprentices to take up places in August 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.
Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock 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.”
Apprenticeships in the MINI UK production network
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 Plant Oxford’s new bespoke training school, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop.
With 10 apprenticeships available at the Plant Swindon pressings plant and a further eight 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 young people will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level in the course of their career at MINI.
Frank Bachmann, Managing Director, MINI Plant Oxford and Swindon, said: “Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plants and it is vital that we attract the very best young talent to ensure the business has the right skills for the future. We are delighted to be able to offer young people the chance to join our modern apprenticeship scheme.”
Young people can also apply for an apprenticeship through a Facebook page which can be found at www.facebook.com/BmwCareersUK. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2014.
Apprenticeships in the BMW and MINI UK dealer network
For the 110 apprentices to be recruited to MINI and BMW dealerships, there are programmes in various disciplines ranging from Service Technician, Parts Advisor, Motorcycle Technician and Body Panel/Paint.
All BMW and MINI dealer apprentices complete the three-year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship at Level 3, the Parts Advisor programme is two years, 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, the Bodyshop programmes are carried out at our training facility in Milton Keynes. In general the minimum entry criteria require between three and four GSCEs at grade C or above or equivalent.
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."
Ends
Note to editors
- Applications for an apprenticeship in MINI production can be made online at www.miniplantoxford.co.uk and clicking on the “People” button, then clicking the “Apprenticeships” drop down. or via the MINI Plant Swindon website at www.miniplantswindon.co.uk. Young people interested in applying to Plant Hams Hall should apply via the plant’s website at www.bmwplanthamshall.co.uk. Alternatively, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BmwCareersUK. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2014.
- For more details about apprenticeships in BMW and MINI dealerships, visit the BMW Group UK Careers website or contact the BMW Group Academy UK on 0845 234 0000 http://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/footer/publications-links/Careers/bmwgroupcareers.html
The BMW Group
The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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For further information please contact:
Angela Stangroom
BMW Group Communications Manager
Telephone: +44 (0)1344 4805283
Mobile: +44 (0)7740 740425
Fax: +44 (0)1344 480320
Email: Angela.Stangroom@bmw.co.uk