Last chance for Mini apprenticeships

The business is looking for 23 individuals to join its already 145-strong apprenticeship programme. The new recruits will take up places across the Mini production plants at Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall near Birmingham in September and will cover a wide range of skills from human resources and business to electrical maintenance and engineering. Laura Lyne, BMW Group's head of training for the UK, said: "Investment in skilled young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plant. It is vital that we attract the very best young talent to ensure the business has the right skills for the future, and we are delighted to be able to continue to offer young people a chance to join our modern apprenticeship programme." The training leads to an NVQ level three qualification and some apprentices will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level. All apprentices attend college on a part-time basis and the plant will be working alongside two local colleges to help deliver the programme – Oxford and Cherwell Valley and Abingdon and Witney. Semta chief executive Philip Whiteman commented: "Our research shows that only 14 per cent of automotive employers currently offer apprenticeships, but they are a key part of increasing technical skills to rebalance the economy and make the UK competitive. That's why the contribution of companies like BMW Group is so valuable and we are delighted that the company continues to take on and train up new talent." Applications for a MINI Plant apprenticeship should be made online at www.mini-production-triangle.com and clicking on the "Associates" button. The closing date for applications is 6th March 2011.