Level 3 Toolmaker Review

The role varies on day to day in the second academic year as its more time in the workplace and this is largely more beneficial as it provides on the job training. This also is more applicable to the job and is engaging as you will end up learning something new nearly everyday.

The amount of skills you can gain from required training and from developing your own skills are something that will always be growing. This is largely from the use of pneumatic tools and hand tools being used nearly everyday and the larger machinery being taught and used frequently. Courses are supplied to go on to get trained and gain experience from forklift driving to operating a press.

I do enjoy my programme to a great extent from learning new skills and learning new tolerances and things about the job nearly daily. Not only this but networking with the older fitters on the section and gaining from their knowledge and guidance is highly beneficial. The amount of experience around you in the working environment it is better to use it when you are there to gain from them.

There isn't as much structure as I would like there to be, however it is somewhat structured within the day and the week is broken up by the college day. However, when it comes to training, although available, there should be a better plan or pre-booked training in place.

There is a good amount of support from the employer with the support that I have been given from day to day support from colleagues to getting PPE or having the benefits from the employer. These are just a few examples of what the employer has supported. However, there are other ways of support such as having healthcare that is, if necessary, referred to by the employer.

The training provider has offered a lot of help when it comes to working towards the qualifications and with the use and testing of learning requirements this has given me the use of extra time that I have used when necessary and the teachers are good in helping me understand when I don't necessarily understand the topic.

I feel that the first year of the qualification has benefitted the second year as it sets the compounded foundation that has been there and has since been built upon with skills and training within the second year. This alongside the use of the training and foundational training has since built the skills I now use daily.

There isn't many extra-curricular activities such as sports teams, however there have been a few charity events such fundraisers and a yearly Christmas fundraiser for charity. With this these charity events can be used for networking with other apprentices within the plant. On some charity events there are opportunities to network further afield.

Yes

I would recommend BMW to a friend as it is a friendly work environment and there is a good amount of benefits that come with the apprenticeship. This is primarily, getting paid to learn and the on the job learning. I would say if you like to problem solve and work with your hands this is a good apprenticeship for you.

In terms of tips and advice for applying I would say do your best academically within the GCSEs as you will need them to apply and be prepared to fail. It is the best learning experience and the best way to understand is to fail. By this it is to expect to make mistakes.