The Cowley Mini plant is boosting its apprentice intake by more than 50 per cent this year.

A total of 35 places are on offer for apprenticeships lasting between three and four years covering a wide range of skills from human resources to electrical maintenance and engineering.

Plant managing director Dr Juergen Hedrich <<ok>> said: “Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plants.

“We are delighted to be able to offer young people the chance to join our modern apprenticeship scheme.”

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

Mini parent firm BMW is doubling its apprentice intake across its three UK production sites as it gears up for the next generation of the car.

A further 24 being taken on at the Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham and 11 at the Swindon pressings plant.

And BMW and Mini dealerships are looking to recruit about 130 young people across the UK with apprenticeships including service technician, parts advisor and motorcycle technician.

Training is carried out at the BMW Group Academy UK, a purpose-built training centre opened in 2006 and located near Reading.

The minimum entry requirement is between three and four GSCEs at grade C or above or the equivalent.

BMW managing director Tim Abbott said: "Bringing new talent and fresh thinking into our dealerships is vital to allow us to provide the best possible service for our customers and so I am delighted that we will welcome around 130 new apprentices to our award-winning scheme in the UK."