The next generation of automotive engineers are being encouraged to sign-up up for an internship at the SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre (SMTC UK) in Birmingham.

The sister company of MG Motor UK is on the hunt for its class of 2017, which will get underway in September next year, to follow-on from the success achieved by a group of six who took part in the programme from September this year.

SAIC’s course covers a range of topics including electronic engineering, powertrain, advanced engineering, body structures, vehicle performance, chassis engineering and vehicle styling.

Team working is also a key part of the programme, which kicked off in 2016 with an outward bound event in the first week to help fast track graduates’ relationships with fellow students and learn about successful teams.

SAIC has already begun the recruitment process with its current interns attending the University of Bath’s Engineering Placements Fair in November.

Existing intern Damon Elson said: “Since joining the internship at SAIC in September, I’ve learnt a huge amount about automotive engineering and working in a large organisation.

“As well as seeing how a global vehicle manufacturer operates from the inside, we have already learnt about the relevant software and planning skills needed to develop our automotive design skills in the months to come.

“With such a solid grounding in place, we’re now really looking forward to our joint project, which will be our main focus in 2017.

“This practical project will test our knowledge of engineering and automotive design, challenging us to show how modern technology can be harnessed to create a vehicle with levels of performance that were unimaginable even ten years ago.”

Around 300 design engineers are employed at SAIC's SMTC at Longbridge and is responsible for the design and development of all new MG and Roewe models.