Tech giant in drive to recruit future talent
Manchester tech giant Siemens is embarking on a round of early career recruitments by offering 26 school leavers, university students and graduates a pathway into manufacturing, automation and digitalisation.
The recruitment drive for the Siemens Digital Industries division aims to bolster its intern, apprenticeship and graduate careers programme, which accounts for 10% of its 1,000-strong workforce.
Successful candidates will work from Siemens’ UK headquarters in Manchester, or its award-winning digital factory in Congleton.
COVID-19 and the resulting economic impact has contributed to a sharp decline in opportunities for school leavers, university students and graduates.
A recent report by Make UK, the manufacturing industry body, found that less than half of the UK’s manufacturers (44%) have plans to hire an apprentice in the next year, down from 74% this time last year.
Meanwhile, research by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) concluded that the number of graduate jobs dropped by 12% in 2020, with further declines predicted next year.
Over the next three months Siemens will be recruiting nine young people for its advanced and higher apprenticeships, two for its International Technical Talent apprenticeships, one graduate scheme position, six interns, and three E3 scholarships.
Meanwhile, five university students completing their E3 scholarships will secure places on Siemens DI’s graduate programme.
Since establishing its early careers programme in 2010 Siemens Digital Industries division has launched and enhanced the careers of more than 100 young people.
Brian Holliday, managing director for Siemens Digital Industries, said: “Early careers opportunities like apprenticeships and graduate schemes are a critical part of UK manufacturing’s effort to take advantage of the digital transformation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Offering school leavers, university students and graduates a fulfilling career pathway is key to solving the skills gap in the technology, manufacturing and engineering industries.
“Over the years Siemens Digital Industries has evolved and enhanced its early careers offering to ensure we have the talent and growth mindset we need for the future.
“We’ve brought a very diverse group of apprentices and graduates into our business. And guess what, when you throw tough stuff at them, they all step up, and they’re brilliant.”
He added: “By opening up our doors to 26 more young people we are committing to recruit, train and retain the next generation of innovators, and create high value jobs in the North West.”
