Rolls-Royce welcomes apprentices

Eleven apprentices and 13 graduates toured the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars for the first time, taking inspiration from the award-winning facilities and skilled craftspeople and professionals who strive to design and build the best cars in the world. As part of their induction day, the latest recruits and their families met 11 recently completed apprentices who have now secured permanent roles, after proving themselves in a business renowned for its innovation, attention-to-detail and exquisite quality. The company's apprenticeship programme was launched in 2006 and provides young people, aged 16-24, with the opportunity to train with the Goodwood-based manufacturer of the world's best-selling super-luxury cars. The apprenticeships last for up to four years and combine on-the-job training with studying for nationally recognised qualifications. The programme has been designed in conjunction with several local colleges. The company's graduate scheme focuses on individual development. Graduates join a two-year programme designed to develop their skills and knowledge, with the guidance of senior management mentors. The programme requires graduates to undertake projects, gain a full appreciation of the global company, and acquire professional and business-related qualifications. Graduates work cross-functionally within the company and internationally within the wider network of the BMW Group. In addition to the apprenticeship and graduate programmes, more than 60 men and women are employed with the company each year on industrial placements ranging in duration from six to 12 months. Frank Ludwig, director of manufacturing at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: "Our apprenticeship and graduate programmes reflect the Rolls-Royce ethos, making the most of people's talents to produce exceptional results. "Every Rolls-Royce is hand-built to exacting standards that customers expect. The highly-bespoke vocational skills and technical expertise that we require are best developed in the workplace, coupled with academic study and support from industry-leading professionals." Rolls-Royce has recruited more than 200 new permanent jobs in the last 18 months, with more than half based at Goodwood, primarily in the manufacturing areas. More than 1,500 people are now employed on site.