On the 18th of last month, BMW Group Korea signed an MOU with Ajou University to provide a training and employment integration process via a customized apprentice program for automotive professionals.
The BMW Apprentice Program is BMW Group Korea’s flagship industry-academic cooperation initiative aimed at cultivating automotive specialists. Since 2004, it has selected participants among graduating students from automotive departments nationwide, providing internship opportunities and supporting them for employment at official BMW dealerships after completion.
The signing ceremony, held at Ajou University in Boryeong, was attended by key officials, including Jeong Sang-cheon, Head of Service at BMW Group Korea, Lee Su-hoon, President of Ajou University, Kim Geun-mook, Head of the Industry-Academic Cooperation Division, and Park Jang-woo, Director of the Career Center.
Under this agreement, special classes for the BMW customized apprentice program targeting second-year students will be conducted from the first semester of this year. BMW Group Korea will provide on-site expertise and necessary educational materials, creating a differentiated curriculum specifically for the BMW apprenticeship program, actively supporting students to develop into skilled technicians.
The educational process is divided into a preparation phase for the BMW customized apprentice program and internships. The first semester will involve various theory and practical classes, while the second semester will follow a selection process allowing students to participate in the BMW customized apprentice program, offering opportunities to work at official dealerships. Participating students will receive professional training based on their desired roles, such as general maintenance, sheet metal, painting, service advising, and warranty.
Additionally, part of the facilities at Ajou University will be remodeled into a dedicated training center for the BMW apprentice program, featuring four work bays, practice rooms, and classrooms, thereby providing more practical and structured education for participants.
This customized BMW apprentice program is expected to help students gain BMW brand experience and skills while taking specialized curriculum subjects during their studies, assisting them in their career paths post-graduation.
Jeong Sang-cheon stated, “As the global automotive industry faces rapid electrification and digitalization, BMW Group Korea is committed to providing unconditional support to train future automotive experts who can contribute to the industry and our society with high productivity and professionalism,” and added, “Furthermore, we aim to actively contribute to creating youth job opportunities and alleviating unemployment.”
Meanwhile, since starting its partnership with eight universities in 2004, BMW Group Korea currently collaborates with a total of 31 universities, and by 2022, a total of 1,546 students have entered dealerships through the apprenticeship program.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr