BMW to create 60 new UK apprentice places

Posted on 17 Jan 2018 by Jonny Williamson

The German multinational automotive manufacturing company is creating 60 jobs for new apprentices in its UK manufacturing operation – which includes its Hams Hall engine factory.

BMW is creating 60 jobs for new apprentice places in its UK manufacturing operation – image courtesy of Depositphotos.

Places are also up for grabs at the MINI plant in Cowley and the Swindon body panels plant, with positions being made available in the engineering, maintenance and logistics department, plus IT and business.

The company said the new positions came as the business forged ahead with developments in electro-mobility and the launch of a fully electric MINI in 2019.

The new recruits will join more than 150 apprentices already working across the three sites.

Simon Farrall, head of Apprentice and Associate Training for BMW Group UK, said: “An apprenticeship at BMW is a fantastic way to earn while you learn and to lay the foundations for a successful career.

“As we enter a new era of electro-mobility and look forward to the launch of a fully electric MINI, this is a very exciting time to play a part in helping to shape the future of the automotive industry.”

Depending on the programme, apprentice training leads to 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.

Joshua Odwin, 19, from Headington in Oxford, is in his third year of a technical engineering apprenticeship at MINI Plant Oxford. He is also completing his second year of a mechanical engineering foundation degree at Oxford Brookes University.

He said: “I would thoroughly recommend the apprenticeship to anyone with an interest in the automotive industry.”

Apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of areas. Technical apprentices who undertake placements at Oxford will attend the MINI plant’s bespoke training school featuring modern classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop.

Applicants need to apply by March 14 and courses will start in August.