BOSSES at the Cowley Mini plant have started the search for more than 30 young people to join the apprenticeship scheme.

A total of 32 places are available at the factory starting in August with training in a wide range of skills being offered from human resources and business to electrical maintenance and engineering.

Technical apprentices will attend the plant’s newly opened training school, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop.

Business and IT apprentices will attend Abingdon and Witney College while Oxford Brookes University will help deliver the programme.

Philippa Napier, 18, a former pupil of Lord Williams School in Thame, is studying for an engineering technician apprenticeship.

She said: “The skills I am learning are to a very high standard. The new training school facilities are exceptional which has made the job even more enjoyable.”

There are a total of 85 apprentices at the plant all of whom are signed up for either three or four years depending on the discipline.

The training leads to an NVQ level three qualification and some apprentices will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level.

Simon Farrall, head of training for the UK, said: “Investment in skilled young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plant.

“It is vital that we attract the very best young talent to ensure the business has the right skills for the future, and we are delighted to be able to continue to offer young people a chance to join our modern apprenticeship programme.”

There are a further 13 places available at Mini’s other production sites at Swindon and Hams Hall, near Birmingham.

The new apprentices will join more than 160 existing apprentices across the company’s production plants at Oxford, Swindon, Hams Hall, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited in Goodwood.

  • Young people can apply for an apprenticeship through a new Facebook page, which can be found at facebook.com/BmwCareersUK, or via the plant’s website at miniplantoxford .co.uk and clicking on the “People” button. The closing date for applications is March 1.