Engineering Technician, Quality Review

Currently i am at college completing my BTEC and Trailblazer (similar to the PEO) qualifications. My days consist of working in the workshop (fitting, milling, turning), working in specialized classrooms (PLS's, CNC, electronics, Fluid Power) and being in classes learning the theory for the BTEC (materials, mechanics, maths, electrical, devices and circuits and health and safety).

I have gained a load of knowledge and learnt many new skills regarding engineering. At the beginning i only had a very brief experience of being in a workshop, so my practical skills in fitting, milling, turning etc have dramatically improved. My confidence has also grew.

I really enjoy what i do as it is a combination of classroom learning and practical learning and because this is what i wanted to do for a career. I get on well with the people on the apprenticeship which is useful when working in teams and when we head back to company. However sometimes it is difficult to enjoy when the college is unorganized and don't let you know what is happening regarding your learning.

I always feel very privileged to be part of the BMW apprenticeship, and always treated well as a BMW employee. Staff are always reminding us how well we have done to get this far and to get on the scheme in the first place. Always very positive towards us, and this is shown through the company's benefits.

As i have been at college full-time since starting this apprenticeship, i can only really comment on that. College does not have the best organisation regarding our programme especially as its a new 'trailblazer' course that is new to their curriculum. Most of the time, our assessments were written at the last minute as staff were unsure on what they were doing and hadn't completed the paperwork prior to that, or the college hadn't bought the equipment that we needed to complete our assessments when we were ready to do them. So our time hasn't always been used efficiently, and so we could be further ahead than we are.

Teachers are always happy to help when you ask and show the effort, especially with the more practical subjects as a lot of people have had no experience in this area. If there are any problems then i can always speak to my tutor and he is able to address these and potentially have something done about it if it seems reasonable. Plus he is always willing to put the extra effort in to help you.

Our manager gives us all the support that we need, answers any questions that we have by easily contacting us. Always takes note of our concerns and issues and tries to act upon them, however sometimes the response is delayed as i understand they can be very busy. Whilst at college, i wish the visits were more often.

Salary meets my costs well. I can easily pay my travel and living costs especially as you can be part of the car scheme, as well as having extra money which i can spend on myself and put in to savings.

At college you are able to use the gym facilities at any time for free of charge when you are a student there. I am aware of the family day that happens at the plant once a year, and i do know that there are some activities and company events that happen but i am not sure on the details of those events.

Yes

Great company, great career prospects, the company takes good care of you, you get to experience many new situations, the learning never stops, sets you up for a bright future, meet loads of new people, get to visit different sites, and you get rewarded well.

Always read through your application before sending it and make sure that you provide an accurate image of yourself. Include your best characteristics though. Be positive and confident on the assessment day! Don't let the name or other applicants intimidate you, as often you are much better than you think. Practice for the tests as you do have to complete them again and try to be original if you are asked to bring in something for the interview that relates to the job that you are applying for.