MINI Seeking 160 Apprentices For 2014

[mab01uk]

Please pass on info below if you know any suitably interested youngsters.......

MINI is looking for around 160 young people to take up apprenticeships through its company and dealership schemes in 2014. The new recruits will join over 400 existing apprentices currently undergoing training across the company’s UK operations, with some able to rise beyond NVQ to degree qualifications.

In its MINI UK production network, the business is looking for 49 new apprentices to take up places in August as the plants ramp up production of the F56 MINI. In addition, dealerships are looking to recruit around 110 young people across the UK.

Skills and Enterprise Minister, Matthew Hancock, said: ‘It is always encouraging to see large employers, such as BMWicon1.png, 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.’

MINI Plant Oxford at Cowley has 31 places available in a variety of areas ranging from finance and logistics to engineering and IT. Technical apprentices will attend Plant Oxford’s new bespoke training school, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop.

With 10 apprenticeships available at the Swindon pressings plant and a further eight at Hams Hall, 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.
http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/news/mi ... ices-2014/

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 31 January 2014.

[mab01uk]

Also recruiting a high number of Production Operatives:

[mab01uk]

MINI Graduate Programme places up for grabs
Recruitment for a brand new graduate programme with 13 places available across the MINI UK production network is now underway. The UK Graduate Programme will welcome applicants in variety of areas ranging from engineering and finance to business and IT.

Eight will be based at the MINI factory in Cowley, with a further four at the company’s pressings plant Swindon and one at the company’s engine plant at Hams Hall. Starting in October 2014 the programme will last for 24 months during which graduates will complete five different placements on various strategic and operational projects that will allow them to gain an insight into business process, strategy and culture from both a UK and global perspective.

Student Ciaran Raymer, 23, is currently working at MINI Plant Oxford as an intern as part of his year in industry. He is studying Business and Enterprise at Chester University and is based in MINI Plant Oxford’s process management team. He said: ‘I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from experts in their respected fields giving me access to an unparalleled level of knowledge. The launch of the new graduate scheme is really exciting and will be a great opportunity for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the automotive sector.’

The programme at a glance:

24 month programme covering five placements.
A maximum of three placements in the home business.
Placements away from the home business can be either in the UK or internationally.
One of the placements must be in a different department.
Placements in production and a customer facing role.

More information in the company’s Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/BmwCareersUK

Full Story on AROnline:
http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/news/mi ... mes-grabs/

[davidnutland]

Hi Mab. What is your connection to BMW Mini?

[mab01uk]

Hi Mab. What is your connection to BMW Mini?

Hi David. No connection - although I have visited most areas of the Cowley Plant over recent years and have friends who work there dating back to BL days......but I have spent a lifetime working in mechanical engineering production and design, sometimes on automotive and know many 'hands on' young Mini enthusiasts would love to get started with a career in the car industry. When these rare opportunities come up with MINI I like to make sure the Mini enthusiast community knows.......as even some of us 'oldies' on here may have suitably qualified kids who wish to apply. Sadly most youngsters won't get any help or encouragement from their parents or teachers as most will have never set foot in a modern car plant or factory of any kind, even though school visits and tours are available for over 14 year olds to be inspired.
Oxford Production Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AR-BzfEXIY

The MCR regions and other Mini/MINI Clubs regularly organise these tours for parties of up to 25 people....I will post details of the next one just in case anyone is interested in any spare places, but places are offered to club members first....this years will include the new 'body in white' facility built for the F56 Mk3 MINI production with latest robot welders.
http://www.mini.co.uk/about-us/factory-tour/

Cropley on cars: the lasting effects of the BMW-Rover deal
"Back in 1994, Rover sold 360,000 cars around the world, a steep decline on the previous year’s performance, and lost money on every single one. Industry-watchers knew in their bones the company was finished. Next year, MINI will sell 300,000 profitable cars, the vast bulk of which will be built at Plant Oxford. Or Cowley, as we used to know it."
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/industry ... rover-deal