Engineering businesses start apprentice search

Several engineering businesses have launched their search for 2012’s new apprentice intake to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. For many companies, including Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), this year will see them recruit a record number of apprentices. Last year the company recruited 114 new apprentices, this year it is looking to up this figure to 133.

"Our apprentice intake has more than doubled in the last four years and I am delighted that this year we are committing to take on a record number of apprentices,” says Des Thurlby, JLR’s human resources director.

“Apprenticeships provide a valuable and credible career path for the brightest and best and JLR is committed to providing the highest quality practical and academic training to develop the future generation of engineering talent needed to drive our business forward, indeed many of our senior leaders began their careers as apprentices."

With 200 apprentices currently on its scheme, Siemens is creating at least 150 more places across its four sectors this year and BMW has announced that it will be recruiting roughly 130 young people across the UK.

Earlier this week BAE Systems announced that it is recruiting 265 apprentices across the UK this year. The engineering and business apprentices will include 136 posts at the company's submarine building business in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria - the highest intake at the yard for five years.