Applications open for BMW Group UK’s manufacturing apprenticeship scheme

People seeking a rewarding and exciting career in the automotive industry are being encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship place at BMW Group’s UK manufacturing operations.

More than 30 places are available to start in August 2020 at the company’s Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall sites, in a wide-range of roles including engineering, maintenance and business.

Places are at MINI Plant Oxford, the heart and home of MINI production; Plant Swindon, which produces pressings and sub-assemblies for both MINI and BMW; and Plant Hams Hall which manufactures highly-efficient MINI and BMW engines.

Apprenticeships last between two and four years and cover a wide range of areas to help equip people with the skills they need for a successful career in the automotive sector.

Simon Farrall, Head of Apprentice and Associate Training for BMW Group UK, said: “A place on our apprenticeship programme is a fantastic way of fast-tracking a career here at the BMW Group. The pace of technological change, product innovation and the electrification of new vehicles makes it a really exciting time for new apprentices to be joining us. Working in some of the most advanced manufacturing locations in the UK, alongside some of the most experienced people in the industry, we’re looking for applicants with the motivation and ideas to drive our company forward.”

All three plants are an important part of the BMW Group’s global production network and together employ more than 6,000 people.

In 2019 MINI Plant Oxford and Plant Swindon celebrated 60 years of the MINI brand and built the 10 millionth car since the first classic Minis rolled off the assembly line in 1959.

Hams Hall also marked a major milestone in producing the plant’s fifth million engine since production began at the site almost 20 years ago.

Sophie Jackson, second year engineering apprentice at MINI Plant Oxford, said: “The apprenticeship has given me a brilliant chance to build my skills and to earn at the same time. I’m working with an awesome team of people and as a female I’d encourage any young women who are considering a career in our industry to check out what the apprenticeship offers. The launch of the first fully electric MINI is something all of us here at the plant are excited about and I’m just really proud to be able to say that I’m working where this car is actually being built.”

Depending on the programme, apprentice training leads to a Level Two or a Level Three Competency Qualification, while some young people will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level in the course of their career depending on their performance.

Applicants will need a minimum of four or five GCSEs (dependent on the position) at Grade 3 or 5 or above, including Maths and English. For engineering and business degree apprenticeships, applicants will also need relevant higher qualifications, which will be outlined in each job advert.

Year 11-13 students, as well as parents and teachers, can find out more about the opportunities available by attending a special BMW Group apprenticeship open evening in Oxford on 3rd February 2020, and in Hams Hall on 5th February 2020.

Registrations can be made at www.eventbrite.co.uk (search “BMW Group Apprenticeship Open Evening”)

Guests will have the opportunity to talk to current and former apprentices, as well as training managers to find out more about the programmes’ content, its benefits and how to apply.

For full entry requirements visit the following link: https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/uk

Entries are open until 28th February but early applications are advised.