DUNTON, UK - Ford of Britian has announced the start of a new cohort of the UK Skills Sprint’s Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programme this September, a significant step forward in the Company’s commitment to upskilling talented employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
This exciting initiative is designed to empower Ford people, providing them with advanced technical knowledge and skills crucial for an evolving industry.
Berenice Kude, Dunton Product Development Business Operations, told @Ford: “The BEng programme is a collaborative effort, bringing together the expertise of Skillnet for the apprenticeship component and the academic excellence of Coventry University for the degree. This blended approach ensures participants receive both practical, hands-on experience and rigorous theoretical instruction.”
Delivery of the programme will be flexible and accessible, combining remote learning sessions at Dunton Campus with essential face-to-face practical sessions held at Coventry University.
This valuable programme is fully funded through the apprentice levy, demonstrating Ford’s strategic investment in its people without additional cost to the participants.
The journey for the first cohort is set to begin in September 2025 and is planned to culminate with the final End Point Assessment (EPA) in July 2029, marking nearly four years of dedicated learning and growth.
This inaugural cohort is a diverse and promising group, comprising 12 existing employees from the UK Skills Sprint initiative, who are keen to advance their careers, alongside eight new hires joining as Higher Apprentices (HAs).
A key highlight is the introduction of a maths bridging course. Offered for the very first time, this preparatory course was specifically designed to help existing employees strengthen their mathematical foundations, ensuring they are fully prepared for the demands of the degree programme.
“The BEng programme is more than just a qualification; it's an investment in our collective future,” adds Berenice.
“By empowering our employees with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, we are not only enhancing individual career paths but also strengthening our organisational capabilities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our first BEng cohort and witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on our business.”
Oluwatobi Adejinka, who starts the course in September, told @Ford: “I have decided to do the BEng through the degree apprenticeship as it is a great opportunity to build on the knowledge and practical experience gained through the Ford Manufacturing and Engineering Level 3 apprenticeship I completed. I am still in a strong learning mindset and have the time, motivation, and discipline to commit fully to this next stage in my development.
“Having completed a Maths bridging course in preparation for the level 6, I am confident in my ability to succeed academically. More importantly, I am keen to apply what I learn directly to real-world projects. This degree will help me to progress within the company, explore different departments and take on roles with greater responsibility, confidence and competence, while delivering long term value to the company.”