Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has welcomed the largest-ever cohort onto its award-winning apprenticeship programme for 2019, during a special ceremony at its Goodwood home.

A record 26 new apprentices and their families took part in the event, which was hosted by the company’s director of manufacturing, Johann Wolf.

The new recruits will train with the company for between two and four years, working alongside experienced craftspeople — in Assembly, Woodshop, Surface Finish, Leathershop, Parts Quality and Total Vehicle Quality Management — to learn the skills and techniques employed by “the world’s leading luxury car manufacturer”.

They will also study for nationally recognised vocational qualifications at Chichester College and other local further- education establishments.

Furthermore, for the first time since its launch in 2006, the programme now includes Sir Ralph Robins Degree Apprenticeships, in which candidates will study for a BEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Chichester to complement their on-the-job practical training.

Mr Wolf (www.rolls-royce.com) said: “Since its launch 13 years ago, our apprenticeship programme has provided a unique opportunity for successful candidates to develop skills and careers with an iconic global brand.

“We remain absolutely committed to continuing our provision to maximise its reach and impact.

“We believe this combination of hands-on training, practical experience and vocational education is vitally important not only to our own future but also to that of UK manufacturing as a whole.

“That we were able to offer a record number of apprenticeship places this year is a testament to the sheer quality of the applications we are now receiving.

“We very much look forward to working with our new apprentices over the coming years, and helping them realise the enormous potential they have already demonstrated.”