MINI production plants on the look-out for new apprentices

Young people with a passion for manufacturing and business have the chance to apply for an apprenticeship in MINI production.
The business is looking for 23 new recruits to take up places across the MINI production plants at Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall near Birmingham in September.

Apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of skills from human resources and business to electrical maintenance and engineering.

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

All apprentices attend college on a part-time basis and the plant will be working alongside two local colleges to help deliver the programme – Oxford and Cherwell Valley and Abingdon and Witney.

Laura Lyne, 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.”

The 23 new apprentices will join 145 existing apprentices across the company’s production plants at Oxford, Swindon, Hams Hall, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited in Goodwood.

Applications for an apprenticeship can be made online at www.mini-production-triangle.com and clicking on the “Associates” button. The closing date for applications is 6th March 2011.

Joanna Rolstone Case Study

Joanna Rolstone - 18, from Didcot
Apprenticeship: Apprentice HR Technician at MINI Plant Oxford Sixth Form College


I joined the advanced apprenticeship programme at MINI Plant Oxford one year ago after finishing my A-levels at Didcot Sixth Form College. I decided to join the apprentice scheme as I have always enjoyed working part-time while studying.

A big benefit of the scheme was the opportunity to gain a degree while getting on the job training. At the moment I’m studying Business Management and Communications at Abingdon and Witney College which works in partnership with Oxford Brookes University.

At Plant Oxford, I’ve had an opportunity to work in different areas of the HR department and gain a lot of experience. There’s no doubt that the apprentice scheme is challenging sometimes, but it’s really rewarding at the same time. The amount of support available through the programme has been very good in helping to deal with working and balancing my college assignment workload.

I would highly recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone who wants to work and gain academic qualifications at the same time. Every day is different, so it is very enjoyable and the daily challenges are exciting.