BMW (GB) Ltd named runner-up at the National Modern Apprenticeship Awards

BMW (GB) Ltd has been announced runner-up at the Learning and Skills Council's
first national Modern Apprenticeship Awards in the large business category. The
awards took place on Thursday 24 June in London, hosted by Carol Vorderman.

The Learning and Skills Council are responsible for all post-16 education and
training (excluding university) and the awards aim to highlight the best
employers involved in raising the quality of workers in the UK.

BMW (GB) Ltd was one of the 22 finalists short-listed for the awards, from 240
company entrants, and the only company from the automotive sector. BMW GB's
commitment to training is exemplified by its dedicated training site, the
Centre for Development, at its headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire. Over 500
apprentices have passed through the doors in the past five years, and gone on
to hold successful careers within the company.

Unlike the majority of the motor industry, the retention rate for BMW
apprentices is 97 per cent (the average in the industry is 50 per cent). The
three-year technician apprenticeship scheme covers units on technical and
mechanical engineering, health and safety modules and key skills. The BMW
programme is also known to attract a greater number of applicants with the
intake of apprenticeships 20 per cent higher than many competitors.

Adrian Davies, career strategies manager at BMW (GB) Ltd, said, " We're
delighted to have been recognised by the Learning and Skills Council. We see
our apprentices as integral to the continued success of BMW. It is imperative
that they are equipped with the highest possible skills. The BMW brand stands
for quality so we make sure that this ethos underpins our Apprenticeship
courses."