BMW Group seeks 200 new apprentices to join UK manufacturing and retailer operations in 2015

In its MINI UK production network, the business is looking for 47 new apprentices to take up places in August 2015. In addition, BMW and MINI retailers are looking to recruit around 150 young people across the UK, a third more than in 2014.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Apprenticeships make total business sense while giving people the chance of a high-quality and respected route in to employment. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see firms like BMW leading the way in 2015 by committing to employ more apprentices. Through our reforms we have given employers like BMW the power to design top-quality apprenticeships that equip learners with the skills businesses need to grow and thrive.”

Apprenticeships in the MINI UK production network

MINI Plant Oxford has 30 places available in a variety of areas ranging from finance and logistics to engineering and IT. Technical apprentices will attend Plant Oxford’s bespoke training school, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop.

With five apprenticeships available at the Plant Swindon pressings plant and a further 12 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 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 2015.

Apprenticeships in the BMW and MINI UK retailer network

For the 150 apprentices to be recruited to MINI and BMW retailers, there are programmes in various disciplines ranging from Service Technician, Parts Advisor, Motorcycle Technician and Body Panel/Paint.

All BMW and MINI retailer apprentices complete the three-year Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3, the Parts Advisor programme is two years, and individuals 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 2015 intake, Graeme Grieve, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group UK, said: "Bringing new talent into our retailers is vital to ensure we provide the best possible service for our customers and I am delighted that we will welcome 150 new apprentices to our award-winning scheme in the UK.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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Note to editors

1. Applications for an apprenticeship in MINI Plant Oxford can be made online at miniplantoxford.co.uk by clicking on “careers” and then “apprenticeships” in the dropdown 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 2015.

1. For more details about apprenticeships in BMW and MINI dealerships, visit the BMW Group UK Careers website:

www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/footer/publications-links/Careers/dealershipcareers/dealerapprenticeships.html

or contact the BMW Group Academy UK on 0845 234 0000.

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based 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.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

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For further information please contact:

Angela Stangroom

BMW Group Communications Manager

Telephone: +44 (0)1252 921268

Mobile: +44 (0)7815 370425

Email: Angela.Stangroom@bmw.co.uk