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BMW Scholars Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the BMW Scholars Program?A. The BMW Scholars Program allows students to attend class full-time at local community colleges while working part-time at BMW in order to further their education requirements, gain the necessary hands on experience, and to become viable candidates for full-time positions at BMW. During this process, BMW will provide tuition assistance to use towards obtaining a 2 year associate’s degree.
Q. What are the minimum qualifications for this program?A. Below are the minimum qualifications:
- Full time student status and a commitment to attend school year round is required
- Students must be entering or in their 1st – 2nd semester of degree of study to be considered
- Must not be past 2nd semester of degree of study to be considered
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Successful completion of BMW Assessment testing
- Commitment to working up to 20 hours per week at BMW during the course of the program.
- Participation in BMW training is required
Q. Are there any additional requirements to become a BMW Scholar?A. Yes. The student must also have:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Time management and organizational skills
- MS Office experience (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
- A copy of your resume and unofficial transcript attached to your online application
Q. What are the benefits of the program?A. There are many benefits to becoming a BMW Scholar:
- Gain valuable experience at BMW’s only U.S. automotive plant
- Earn an associate’s degree with tuition assistance by BMW
- Make money working part-time while taking classes
- Be considered for full-time BMW job positions
Q. What is the duration of the program? Which semester will I be taking classes?A. The BMW Scholars Program is 1.5-2 years long. It requires that the student attends classes fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Q. How much will I be paid while I am working part-time at BMW?A. Wages will be discussed during the individual interview process.
Q. Am I guaranteed to be offered a full-time job at the end of the program?A. Although the intention is to offer full-time positions upon completion of the program, there is no obligation for continued employment by BMW or the student upon program completion.
Q. What degrees of study will be considered?A. Students must have interest in or currently be enrolled in one of the following two-year degrees of study:
- Automotive: Automotive Technology
- Equipment Services Associate /ESA: Automated Manufacturing Technology-Robotics/Industrial Electronics Technology/Mechatronics/Industrial Repair Technology/ Electronics Engineering Technology/Other Related Degrees
- Production: Production Associate Technology/Welding-General Technology /Machine Tool Technology/Other Related Manufacturing Fields
Q. How many students will BMW hire?A. The goal is to hire 35 students during the fall 2013 semester. Future numbers will fluctuate based on need.
Q. I have classes at all times of the day. How will I be able to have a set work schedule at BMW?A. BMW realizes that we may need to be flexible in establishing a work schedule. A preferred schedule would include classes in the morning and the ability to work in the afternoon.
Q. What would a day as a BMW Scholar be like?A. As a BMW Scholar, the student will spend each weekday both in class and working at the plant. While working, the student will have a mentor in each area that will guide and teach them. The student will get a strong foundation of our vehicle by working within the production process. After working in the process, the student will then transition into their area of study. The area in which the student will be working will rotate as they go through the program. Areas where the student may work include the body shop, paint shop, analysis center, and others.
Q. When will the Scholars Program start?A . BMW will be accepting applications beginning February 22, 2013 until June 7, 2013. Eligible applicants will be scheduled for pre-employment assessment/testing/interviews as soon as possible after the application is submitted.
The students will begin training/working in the plant in August. Any change in dates will be announced.
Q. How do I apply for the BMW Scholars program?A. Students should contact the Career Services Office at Spartanburg Community College – see the contact information below – to receive an SCC Technical Scholars Application packet. Once this application packet is submitted with appropriate documentation, the student will be directed to apply on-line at www.bmwusfactory.com - it is important to read the Application Process instructions before applying to ensure that all sections are completed and submitted in a timely manner, including appropriate documentation and required forms.
Q. Who do I contact for more information at Spartanburg Community College?
A. Kathy McKinzie, Director Career Services
Spartanburg Community College
PO Box 4386, Spartanburg SC 29305
Student Services Building, Suite 102
(864) 592-4808; mckinziek@sccsc.edu