Engineering Technician Review

I spend most of my time in the training facility on site, learning and developing skills in electronics, electrical (domestic/industrial), machining (milling and turning) and mechanics. Four days a week are spent in the workshop, and the fifth is spent achieving the neccessary achedemic qualification (BTEC Level 4 for the first year).

Almost all the practical skills I have learnt have been new, having never done any machining before, or much electrical (especially the industrial).

I enjoy the program, but I am looking forward to my second year, where 3 days a week are spent out on placements around the plant rather than in a training school, and 2 days a week spent at university studying for a foundation degree.

All the staff at BMW Group do make you feel valued as an individual, and important to the company. Being an apprentice, the intention is that you will move into a job role after the 4 year course, and its in their best interest for you to be as good at that job as possible, thereby making apprentices feel valued.

The programme has had some issues do to staffing problems, but they have now been resolved and the programme is back on course. As one of the first apprentices on this kind of course there are bound to be some hiccups, but any issues that arise have been dealt with effectively.

The support is always present, and there when needed. It remains the responsibility of the apprentice to get support rather than for the tutor to provide it (as in school), but this is the way it should be in my opinion.

As above. The management team are approachable, and willing to what they can to resolve any issues or to provice support.

This apprenticship is well paid, and a pay increase every 6 months (performance reliant) covers all my costs.

There are opportunities, such as a 'Mountain Challenge' weekend and family open days.

Yes

The apprenticship is higher level (most will graduate with a full degree after four years) and well paid. The job security that comes from working for a large company is good, and the programme is well established and saught after.

Prepare yourself as much as possible for the interview days; this could include a basic knowledge of the company, and key figures (sales in the last year, products manufactured, etc.) Try to put yourself across well at assessment centre, showing you can work in a team and take some kind of lead where neccessary.