BMW ramps up apprentice recruitment at Hams Hall
APPRENTICE numbers at BMW’s Hams Hall engine plant are set to soar as the company looks to ramp up production levels.
BMW is now looking to recruit the youngsters it needs to help sustain the business as it moves forward.
The move is the latest show of support for apprenticeship schemes in the West Midlands’ automotive sector following Jaguar Land Rover’s announcement that it is set to recruit a record number of new trainees.
It also supports the view of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that record numbers of young people are now embarking on careers in the UK automotive industry.
The SMMT said more than 14,000 had been recruited into apprenticeships in 2011 and almost two thirds of UK automotive companies were now recruiting new talent from schools and colleges to grow the sector’s skills base.
Hams Hall manufactures new fuel-efficient, four-cylinder petrol engines for both BMW and MINI vehicles.
Tim Egerton, a second-year quality apprentice at the plant, was recently named STAR apprentice of the year by Birmingham Metropolitan College in recognition of his academic achievements, and for being a proactive member of the campus’s learner voice committee.
He said: “After school, I was keen to get into the workplace. My advanced apprenticeship at Plant Hams Hall has given me the opportunity to gain valuable experience as well as learn and gain academic qualifications at the same time.”
Nick Spencer, plant director, said: “Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plant; therefore we are delighted to be able to offer young people the chance to join our modern apprenticeship scheme.”
The apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of skills from logistics to business to manufacturing to quality engineering.
In addition to the increased number of places at the Hams Hall plant, a further 46 apprenticeship places have been created at the MINI production plants at Oxford and Swindon. BMW and MINI dealerships are also looking to recruit around 130 young people across the UK.
Paul Everitt, the SMMT’s chief executive, said: “The UK automotive industry offers fantastic career and skills opportunities for young people across a huge variety of disciplines from design, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing to retail and aftermarket.
“Despite challenging economic conditions, the industry took on more than 14,000 new apprentices in 2011, demonstrating its commitment to attracting the brightest and best talent to the sector.”
