TWO automotive students at Wiltshire College & University’s Chippenham campus have won a dream internship at BMW’s headquarters in Munich, thanks to Chippenham Twinning Association.
Maddison Long and Jax Mackay will spend almost three weeks in Germany in August working on the development of new vehicle repair manuals, visiting the production factory and parts distribution centre and meeting key members of staff.
The association’s close links with German twin town Friedberg led to an offer from one of its twinning association members, who is a senior member of staff at BMW, to students in Chippenham with an interest in the industry.
A number of students applied and after two rounds of interviews, one with the twinning association and one via video with its German counterpart, Maddison and Jax, were selected.
“I was very nervous in the interview and I was totally shocked when I was told I’d got it, but I am so happy that I am going,” said Maddison, 18, of Devizes, who like Jax is in the second year of a Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair course.
She said she is looking forward to learning more about the parts side of the industry. “I don’t really have that much experience with garages so having this before going into something like an apprenticeship or a job will be nice,” she said. “Also having this on my CV will hopefully give a little edge over everyone else.”
Jax, 17, of Royal Wootton Bassett, said the chance to see inside the organisation and learn more about how it works is what made him apply. “I want to see the layout of the main dealer headquarters because I worked in a small body shop, BMW’s going to be way different,” he said.
“This is a great thing to have on my CV and it will maybe give me better odds of a BMW job in Swindon or anywhere in the automotive industry.”
The teenagers will be staying with a German family and will be taken out by their hosts at weekends to see more of the country. Both are looking forward to experiencing German life.
“I want to learn more about the world and maybe find out more about myself as well,” said Jax. “I’m looking forward to a new experience.”
Maddison added: “I think it will be amazing because it’ll be different from the UK, I just want to get into the culture.”
The twinning association and the college will cover the students’ air fares and the German hosts have provided transport passes and some spending money.
Lecturer Ben Elger thanked the twinning association and said having two of its students selected reflects well on the college. “Jax and Maddison did very well in the interviews and they have been a credit to the college,” he said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for them to put into practice what they’ve learnt here and they will be exposed to some new technologies. They’re going to pick up really useful knowledge and experience and to actually be involved in developing repair manuals for new vehicles is going to be great for them.”
Twinning association chairman Richard Meek said: “I’ve been involved with twinning for 25 years and it’s the first time this has happened, it’s a wonderful chance and I’m delighted for Maddison and Jax, they are both very impressive. We hope that this could become a regular arrangement and are very grateful to our friends in Friedberg.”
