Mini boost for auto industry jobs as BMW looks to take on more apprentices

January 14, 2014
By

BMW is to recruit 10 apprentices at its Swindon pressings plant as it looks to ramp up production of body panels for its next-generation Mini.

The apprenticeships are part of around 160 being created by the automotive group across its three UK plants – Swindon, its Oxford assembly base and its Hams Hall, Birmingham, engine manufacturing centre – and in its BMW and Mini dealerships.

The new recruits will join more than 400 existing apprentices undergoing training across the company’s UK operations, with some able to rise beyond NVQ to degree qualifications.

Some 49 new apprentices will join the Mini production network next August as the plants ramp up production of the Mini. The Swindon plant, which employs around 800 people, makes about 90% of the pressings and almost 80% of the sub-assemblies, such as doors, bonnets and tailgates, for the third-generation Mini launched last month.

Mini Plant Oxford and Swindon managing director Frank Bachmann 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.”

Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock added:  “It is always encouraging to see large employers, such as BMW, committing to employing more apprentices. This scheme is a great opportunity for a young person with an interest in the automotive sector to begin a rewarding career. I want choosing university or an apprenticeship to be the new norm for young people and the range of positions available demonstrate this is becoming a reality.”

The 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.

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 January 31.

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