ASPIRING apprentices are being given the chance to work at the Cowley Plant as it gears up to build its first electric car.

The site’s owners, BMW, has opened applications for its apprenticeship scheme for young people who want to work in the group’s manufacturing operations.

Half of the 60 places available across the company will be based in Oxford, BMW’s biggest UK plant, with the others working from Swindon and Hams Hall in Warwickshire.

They offer the opportunity to work in engineering, maintenance, logistics, IT and business as the final preparations are made for the launch of the electric Mini.

This three-door hatchback car with an electric battery will be assembled in Cowley with its motors shipped in from Germany and production is expected to begin in 2019.

Simon Farrall, the head of apprentice and associate training, said an apprenticeship was a ‘fantastic way to earn as you learn’ and would ‘lay the foundations for a successful career.’

He said: “As we enter a new era of electro-mobility and look forward to the launch of a fully electric Mini, this is a very exciting time to play a part in helping to shape the future of the automotive industry.

“Some of our most senior and experienced people started out their careers as apprentices.

“If you’re motivated, passionate and like to rise to a challenge, then a place on our apprenticeship scheme could be the start of a very exciting journey for you.”

The apprenticeships last between three and four years and start in August, with the deadline for applications set for March 14.

Oxford’s new recruits will be taught in the company’s bespoke training school in Cowley.

They will join 150 apprentices that are already employed across the three sites.

Second year technical engineering apprentice at the Cowley plant Melanie Goss, 19, admitted to ‘not being a car fanatic’ but recommended the job for women like her.

She said: “As a girl, one of the things I love about the MINI apprenticeship is that it caters for all sorts of different interests.

“I have never regretted my decision to go into industry and I’d always encourage other girls who are interested to apply.”

Joshua Odwin, 19, from Headington, a third year technical engineering apprentice said: “I’ve learnt so much in a short space of time and the variety of things I’ve been able to do has been amazing.”

Visit bmwgroup.jobs/uk