BMW (www.bmw.co.uk) has welcomed the 2015 intake of apprentices to its three UK production facilities, including the Hams Hall engine plant, near Coleshill.

The company is also celebrating the first success of its Girls Go Technical programme, with four female apprentices joining its apprenticeship scheme after participating in its work-experience programme.

The 43 new recruits will join nearly 140 apprentices who are currently undergoing training across the company’s UK manufacturing operations.

The apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of skills — from human resources and business to electrical maintenance and engineering. They lead to an NVQ level-three qualification.

Markus Fallboehmer, plant director at BMW Hams Hall, said: “Investment in young people is a key part of our plant development strategy. It is vital to attract the very best young talent,to ensure that the business has the right skills for the future. We are delighted to welcome these young people onto our apprenticeship scheme.”

Commenting on the apprenticeship programme, Jessica O’Sullivan, a maintenance technician at Hams Hall, said: “I was keen to get into the work-place, but I also wanted to be able to continue learning. The apprenticeship with BMW means that I can do just that. It offers me excellent training, good work experience and career opportunities — both in the UK and abroad.”

Simon Farrall, head of apprentice and associate training at BMW Group UK, said: “We’re delighted to see the first girls joining our apprenticeship scheme as a direct result of our Girls Go Technical programme. The automotive industry is still considered a more typical career path for boys; our programme is designed to address this inequality and encourage more girls to consider a technical career in this field.” Now in its third year, the Girls Go Technical programme is part of the annual UK government-industry “See Inside Manufacturing” initiative.