Twelve apprentices have joined Aston Martin at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Employed in the product development, maintenance, manufacturing systems and support, trim shop, paint operations and design departments, they were selected from more than 600 applicants.

Manufacturing training manager Maggie McElroy-Gray said: “The new recruits bring our total apprenticeship scheme up to almost 40, which shows a significant commitment to investing in the future of the business.

“As a maturing company, we need to bring ‘young blood’ into the business. It is vital that we are able to transfer the extensive skills and knowledge of our workforce to ensure continuity, while also embracing new technology and advanced methods of manufacturing.”

Importantly, the business also recruited its first craft apprentices last year — developing trim and sewing skills within the Trim Shop.

The opportunity to expand into craft areas comes as a result of Aston Martin’s work with the Sector Skills Council, updating qualifications to reflect a balance between traditional craft skills and cutting-edge technology.

Until recently, training at Aston Martin was focused entirely in-house, rather than sending the apprentices off-site for part of their course. However, with lessons now commencing at 6.30am, Ms McElroy-Gray says the move to on-site learning with Walsall College means that the courses fit seamlessly with the company’s business operations.

Furthermore, as part of a Government-driven review of modern apprenticeships, Aston Martin is also developing degree-level programmes. “Our expectation is that many of our current apprentices will be able to eventually complete a Bachelor of Engineering degree.”

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer, who started his career as a technical apprentice, said: “The future success of the business lies, in part, with our ability both to maintain and develop our traditional craftsmanship skills and to continue to explore new technologies and ways of working. Apprenticeships are a great way to ensure we can do that, and I’m very happy to see such a vibrant programme of learning and development here.”