Ford Recognised As Apprenticeship Leader

BRENTWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – February 15, 2011: Ford has been recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service as a leading employer in the training and development of staff through apprenticeships.

Ford apprenticeship programmes are open to all age groups, including current unskilled employees, providing paths to career progression and offering the chance to develop core skills. Ford's Bridgend Engine Plant, Ford Dagenham Engine Plant, Ford Southampton Assembly Plant and the Ford Dunton Technical Centre support apprenticeship schemes with over 100 employees currently in training.

Simon Waugh, National Apprenticeship Service chairman, said: "Apprentice programmes offer vocational career paths into engineering and manufacturing, providing jobs for local communities and career progression for incumbent employees. We are pleased to recognise Ford as they continue to develop their apprenticeship schemes around the UK."

Julie Bellinger, apprenticeship services manager, said: "I am delighted that our training programmes have been recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service. Ford courses run for four years and prepare people to undertake key roles within the company. In addition, they may also complete their programme with a foundation degree funded by Ford, with an opportunity to progress on to a degree in engineering.

Government funding has assisted the recent development of Ford's apprenticeship programme and has helped support the continuation of basic skills training at Ford. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, and John Baron, MP for Billericay, visited Ford Dagenham engine plant and Ford's advanced R&D centre in Dunton, respectively this month to meet today's Ford apprentices.