In partnership with NextGen Jobs, BMW Group Australia is launching the BMW #NextTech mentored apprenticeship programme.
The programme was launched at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence to an audience of industry practitioners, automotive training professionals, government leaders and industry stakeholders.
The BMW #NextTech Mentored Apprenticeship Programme brings together BMW Group Australia, NextGen Jobs, Australia’s newest group training organisation, and the Bendigo Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence – to deliver a apprenticeship experience customised to BMW Group vehicles.
The programme provides apprentices with dedicated BMW training, one-on-one mentoring and accelerated pathways to complete their Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology within three years with an option to extend into a dual qualification as an automotive electrician and to commence BMW registered technician training.
“The BMW #NextTech Mentored Apprenticeship Programme will play an integral role in ensuring future BMW Group apprentices develop the diagnostic skills and techniques required to stay at the forefront of a rapidly evolving automotive industry,” BMW Group Australia aftersales general manager Dr Reiner Meierbeck.
“It is also progressive in enabling apprentices to stay well ahead of the trends of increasing specialisation and rapid technological advancement. This includes electrification – a critical element in BMW’s future.”
The inaugural intake of the BMW #NextTech Mentored Apprenticeship Programme has commenced, with 38 apprentices from a range of diverse backgrounds already operating in the workshop. Due to demand, the first intake has been oversubscribed.
The programme has received strong support from BMW Group Australia dealers, with more than 40% of the network participating in the inaugural intake. It took 52 minutes for the first #NextTech vacancy to be lodged after the initiative was announced, demonstrating its appeal. Plans for the second intake are currently being finalised, with applications expected to reopen in Q3 of this year.
“The BMW #NextTech Mentored Apprenticeship Programme is one of the first major collaborative programmes we have developed with our new collar approach, and it shows what can be achieved by working closely with industry and educators,” NextGen Jobs’ general manager Andrew Sezonov says.
“Partnering with BMW Group Australia and Bendigo Kangan Institute is fantastic, and we are confident this programme will be sought after for many years to come,” he says.
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