Brentwood, Essex, 25 April 2014 – Ford has announced a series of engineering and business apprenticeship programmes, including a newly-established Higher Apprenticeship in IT.

Places are now available for Ford of Britain apprenticeship programmes starting in September, which include Advanced Apprenticeships in engineering, and unique degree-level and professional level Higher Apprenticeship programmes in engineering, finance and IT.

The extension of Ford’s business Higher Apprenticeships accelerates Ford’s search for the industry’s next innovators and business leaders through its apprenticeship programmes. This includes the extremely successful Masters Apprenticeship Programme, which recruits 450 new apprentices into the Ford dealer network every year.

A Ford Higher Apprenticeship in engineering includes a unique, full degree-level qualification, offering high-quality training in a range of engineering skills. The accredited Batchelor of Engineering (BEng Hons.) degree is based at the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in Essex, Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre and at the University of Greenwich Medway Campus.

For the first time, Ford is extending its business Higher Apprenticeships to IT, enabling young people to develop both business knowledge and technical skills. The programme provides a path towards a Batchelor of Science (BSc Hons.) degree in IT Management for Business (ITMB), also with the University of Greenwich.

Ford’s Higher Apprenticeship in finance leads to a Diploma in Business Accounting (CIMA) and Management Accounting Practice Diploma, with BPP Professional Education.

Tessa Hougham, apprenticeship manager, Ford of Britain, said: “Ford’s expanding range of apprenticeship programmes will provide even more young, talented individuals with the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time, and ensures that Ford continues to recruit the best people for these highly-skilled roles.”

Dr. Raj Bhatti, Head of Department, Mechanical, Manufacturing and Design Engineering from the University of Greenwich, said: “We are extremely pleased to be part of Ford’s Higher Apprenticeship programmes, which will this year become stronger than ever. Greenwich places great store in ensuring that graduates can seek out new opportunities, generate novel ideas, and be effective in the world of work, and this partnership is a first-class example of achieving just that.”

Applications for the Ford apprenticeship programmes commencing September 2014 are open now, and close on 16th May 2014.

To apply, visit www.ford-apprenticeships.co.uk

Note to editors:

Ford Higher Apprenticeship applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade B or above, including Maths, English and, for engineering and IT, GCSE Double Science, as well as three A-levels (or equivalent) at Grade B or above to include:

• Maths, Physics and one other Science or equivalent for Product Development Engineering
• Technology/Science-related subject for IT
• A numerical subject is preferable for IT

Ford Advanced Apprenticeship applicants must have a minimum of three GCSEs (or equivalent) to include an A-C pass in English Language and Double Science/Single Physics and a Grade B in Maths.