Luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin has taken on twelve apprentices at its HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
The trainees, selected from 600 applicants, will work in product development, maintenance, manufacturing systems and support, trim shop, paint operations and design.
Maggie McElroy-Gray, manufacturing training manager said:
“The new recruits bring our total apprenticeship scheme up to almost 40, which shows a significant commitment to investing in the future of the business.
“As a maturing company, we need to bring ‘young blood’ into the business.
“It is vital that we are able to transfer the extensive skills and knowledge of our workforce to ensure continuity, while also embracing new technology and advanced methods of manufacturing.”
Last year, following Aston Martin’s involvement with the Sector Skills Council, the firm employed its first craft apprentices to broaden skills ability in its Trim Shop with the aim to enhance qualifications to reflect a balance between new technology and traditional craft skills.
Previously, the car manufacturer’s training was focused in-house, but now it will also take place at Walsall College to fit with business operations.
Additionally, Aston Martin is developing degree-level programmes in hope that current apprentices will eventually complete them.
Former apprentice and CEO Andy Palmer said: “The future success of the business lies, in part, with our ability both to maintain and develop our traditional craftsmanship skills and to continue to explore new technologies and ways of working.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to ensure we can do that, and I’m very happy to see such a vibrant programme of learning and development here.”
