STANDFIRST: With applications for the next generation of Mini apprentices now open, Oxford Mail reporter Michael Race had a look behind the scenes at how the next generation of apprentices are being trained.

THE technology which goes making the 1,000 Minis which roll of the Cowley plant production line may have changed over the years - but the fundamental skills of engineering have not.

As the city's 4,000-strong workforce returned to the factory last week, applications to train the next generation of car builders are now open for young people to apply.

With 40 apprenticeships on offer for 2017, BMW is looking for people with a passion for the automotive industry to apply and join the ranks at the plant's 'Minicademy'.

If successful, the lucky candidates will get to learn while they earn alongside skilled and experienced employees in a wide range of roles including engineering, maintenance, finance, IT, business and communications.

Jason Gaskell, manager of Apprentice Training Programmes at BMW Group UK, said the company wanted to attract the 'very best young and talented people' to work at the plant.

He added: "Apprenticeships give young people the chance to get their careers off to a flying start and are essential for us to develop the future talent needed for our business.

"We have three state-of-the-art manufacturing sites and there are some fantastic opportunities available.

"If you have a passion for working in this exciting industry, we want to hear from you."

Apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of areas to help equip young people with the skills needed for a successful career in the automotive sector.

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.

Technical apprentices who undertake placements at Oxford will attend Mini Plant Oxford’s bespoke training school featuring modern classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop.

The Oxford Mail was shown around the training workshop by the apprentices themselves.

The apprentices were eager to show the different skills they learn every day, which included mechanics, electronics and using lathes and milling machines.

As well as Mini apprentices, the plant also teaches recruits from other engineering organisations.

Kelly Monaghan and Tyler Knock, both 18, joined the maintenance engineering apprenticeship programme at the Cowley plant in August 2015 after finishing their GCSEs.

Miss Monaghan said: "After leaving school I wasn’t certain that going to university would necessarily lead me on to a job and so I applied for an apprenticeship with BMW.

"One of the things I love about it is the fact that the scheme combines a real mixture of both theory and practical which is the best way to learn I think."

Mr Knock added: "I’m really happy working in what is a very hands-on role.

"I’ve always been interested in cars and the mechanical side of things so I knew that I wanted to work with them in some way but I just wasn’t sure how.

"I applied for the apprenticeship and it’s given me that opportunity and the chance to work with so many different people, of all different ages and experience.

"It means that even in a short time I feel I’ve learnt so much."

The new recruits will join over 150 apprentices already working across three sites in Oxford, which has 95, Swindon and Hams Hall near Birmingham.

Applications to become a Mini apprentice close on March 13, with successful candidates starting their new careers in August.

First year apprentice Jack Eckton, 17, from Southmoor started his apprenticeship in September.

He said: "I have enjoyed it so much, I have learned so much and it's really fun.

"It's great if you want to work and earn at the same time.

"We get taught very well and it's hands on experience."

The business recently celebrated a major manufacturing milestone in December, when the three millionth Mini to be built in the UK rolled off the assembly line in Oxford.

Today, about 1,000 Minis are built each day and are exported from the UK to more than 110 markets across the world.

Applicants will need five GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Maths and English at Grade 6 or above.

For engineering, business and IT apprenticeships applicants will also need two A-Levels at Grade C or above, or a BTEC Level 3 (Engineering).

To find out more about the scheme and for full entry requirements visit: facebook.com/bmwcareersuk or bmwbrochures.co.uk/bmwapprenticeships