BMW Group seeks 160 new apprentices

The new recruits will join over 400 existing apprentices currently undergoing training across the company's UK operations. The company is looking for 49 new apprentices to take up places in August in its Mini UK production network 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. The Mini plant in 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. Ten apprenticeships are available at the Plant Swindon pressings plant with a further eight at the Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham. Apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover 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." The picture shows first year apprentice Emma Cross at the Mini plant in Oxford.