BMW launches female specific training scheme

This month BMW U.K. is launching a new training scheme directed specifically at women. The 2014 ‘Girls Go Technical’ programme encourages young females aged between 15 and 24 to consider a technical career within the automotive manufacturing sector. The programme will run during half term from Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October at BMW’s MINI manufacturing plants in Birmingham, Oxford and Swindon. The programme will give young women the opportunity to witness the production of BMW’s MINI.

Simon Farrall, Head of Apprentice and Associate Training at BMW Group U.K. said, “Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy for our manufacturing plants. The automotive industry is still considered as a more appropriate career path for boys and our programme is designed to address this inequality and attract more girls to consider a technical career in this field.

“On completion of the programme, the participants will have gained an insight into the manufacturing processes and experienced the day-to-day challenges encountered by engineers and technical apprentices as well as augmenting their interview and job application skills.”

Women on the programme will spend four days at the heart of MINI and BMW’s U.K. production network not only at the manufacturing site closest to their home region for in-depth work experience but also touring MINI Plant Oxford where they will see MINIs being built.

All participants will have the opportunity to take part in activities in the Oxford plant’s bespoke training school featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully equipped workshop.

“Working in the car manufacturing industry is an absolutely amazing experience”, said Rebecca Pallet, a current apprentice at MINI Plant Oxford. “I’ve always wanted to be able to build cars and with BMW Group’s support I can now pursue my dreams. I hope my example will encourage other girls to apply for our apprenticeship programme.”

Now in its second year, the Girls Go Technical programme is a part of the annual U.K. government-industry initiative ‘See Inside Manufacturing’.

The entry criteria for the programme are four GCSEs at grade A-C to include Maths, English and one science subject and predicted grades will be accepted. Applications can be made online at BmwCareersUK.