Training Awards ceremony winning the group training organisation service excellence award.

The award acknowledges  the BMW program’s strong industry impact, exceptional training model and commitment to developing highly-skilled automotive technicians.

The BMW NextTech Mentored Apprenticeship Program, which started in 2021, is delivered in partnership with NextGen Jobs – a group training organisation specialising in apprenticeships and traineeships – and the Bendigo Kangan Institute Automotive Centre of Excellence.

It combines industry-leading automotive training with practical, hands-on learning to develop the next generation of automotive experts.

Since its inception, the BMW NextTech program has registered 167 light vehicle apprentices across Australia and achieved apprentice retention rates above 80 per cent which is significantly higher than the national industry average of 50 per cent.

The inaugural NextTech group of 37 apprentices recently graduated with dual qualifications as light vehicle technicians and automotive electricians.

BMW said that it was encouraging that female participation in the program stands at 12 per cent – significantly higher than the industry average of just 2.6 per cent of trade roles held by women. 

NextGen Jobs manages applications and employment for all apprentices, ensuring a seamless pathway from recruitment to a supported hands-on training experience within BMW workshops.

BMW NextTech third-year apprentice at Brisbane BMW, Sophia Kim, said that joining the program “as a woman in a non-traditional trade was an incredible opportunity.”

“Through training across both light-vehicle mechanical and auto electrical disciplines, along with additional BMW certifications, I gained access to advanced facilities and the latest BMW technology,” she said.

“The ongoing support and mentoring made all the difference. I always felt encouraged, capable, and confident in achieving my goals. 

Brett Hocking, BMW Group Australia general manager of aftersales

“Becoming the first female technician to qualify through Brisbane BMW is something I’m truly proud of, and it motivates me to keep breaking boundaries for future technicians.”

BMW Group Australia general manager of aftersales, Brett Hocking, said that Australia was facing a severe shortage of automotive technicians with almost 40,000 skilled roles unfulfilled nationwide.

“The BMW NextTech program demonstrates our commitment to helping develop the industry, upskill apprentices, and prepare the next generation of automotive technicians for the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry that includes electrification,” he said.

The BMW NextTech program provides participating apprentices with dedicated BMW training, one-on-one mentoring, and accelerated pathways to complete their Certificate III in light-vehicle mechanical technology within three years and to concurrently complete their BMW registered technician certification.

Apprentices may also extend their qualification into a fourth year as an automotive electrician qualification, geared towards high-voltage technology and conclude the year as a BMW certified high-voltage technician.

The program has proven highly popular: the inaugural intake in 2021 was oversubscribed, with the first vacancy filled in 52 minutes, reflecting strong interest and demand from both apprentices and the BMW dealer network.

BMW NextTech Graduate Al Gonzalez from Berwick BMW – and also NextGen jobs apprentice of the year – said: “The BMW NextTtech program helped me to grow and push myself to become the technician I am today, with state-of-the-art facilities, vehicles, instructions and all the tools I’d ever need.

“My experience was extremely positive. It’s never too late to realise your dreams, and I hope you find yours too,” he said.

“My experience with BMW NextTech has been truly exceptional. I would recommend it, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that stands apart from conventional TAFE programs.”

BMW will now expand the NextTech program from 2026 to include:

• Body repair and BMW Motorrad pathways, broadening opportunities for apprentices across BMW’s diverse vehicle portfolio.
• BMW Brand Immersion Scholarship, offering two exceptional NextTech apprentices each year the opportunity to travel to BMW headquarters in Munich for an exclusive learning and development experience.

NextGen Jobs head of business and operations Andrew Robson said: “The expansion of this innovative program highlights our commitment to developing the Australian automotive workforce and creating world-class opportunities for apprentices.”

“The program’s success in generating strong demand from both apprentices and industry provides a blueprint for how to address skills gap challenges.”