BMW Group is looking for over 150 young people with a passion for the motor industry to take up apprenticeships available through its company and dealership schemes in 2013.

The new recruits will join nearly 400 existing apprentices currently undergoing training across the company's UK operations, and within its BMW and Mini dealer network.

The business is looking for 45 new apprentices to take up places at its MINI UK production plants in August as they prepare for the next model generation. In addition, BMW and MINI dealerships are looking to recruit around 100 young people across the UK.

Young people can apply for an apprenticeship through a new Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/BmwCareersUK. The closing date for applications is March 1.

For the 100 apprentices to be recruited to Mini and BMW dealerships, there are programmes in various disciplines ranging from service technician, parts advisor, motorcycle technician and body refinish/paint.

All BMW and Mini apprentices complete the two-year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship at Level 3 and receive VRQ/VCQ qualifications from the Institute of the Motor Industry.

Tim Abbott, managing director of BMW Group UK, said: "Bringing new talent and fresh thinking into our dealerships is vital to allow us to provide the best possible service for our customers and so I am delighted that we will welcome around 100 new apprentices to our award- winning scheme in the UK."