A first wave of flexible workers has completed BMW’s manufacturer training at Hams Hall, north Warwickshire.

The initiative was put together by recruitment agency Blue Arrow, BMW and Sutton Coldfield College.

Eighteen students have been awarded with NVQ2 in performing manufacturing operations.

A further 41 Blue Arrow associates will complete the course next month, with plans to widen the scheme further before December.

Mike Beasley, Learning and Skills Council chairman, who presented the certificates to the students, said: “The importance of vocational qualifications in addressing skills shortages at local and national level cannot be overstated.

“This initiative to train flexible workers reflects well on the employers and region’s determination to create the highly-skilled workforce it needs to compete successfully on the world stage.”

Robert Bolan, BMW Hams Hall managing director, said: “Blue Arrow’s skilled associates complement our own and play an important role in ensuring we are able to respond flexibly and swiftly to changes in production requirements.”

The recruitment agency provides a flexible workforce to the automotive industry and works with BMW, Toyota and LDV.