Engineering Technician Review

Engineering Technician day-to-day tasks: 1st Year: For the first year the apprenticeship is entirely academic. One day of the week is spent in a classroom environment learning a variety of things such as PLC (programmable Logic Controllers) and Electronic Principles, among others. The remaining days of the week we spend in Mini's specialized training center learning hands on skills such as Electrical wiring, Mechanics and Hand Fitting. The upkeep and general maintenance is the responsibility of the apprentices in the Academy, thus developing our soft skills as well as technical skills. Team leader roles are for a period of two weeks and everyone has a rotation. In addition to academics, BMW tries to involve apprentices in the business as much as possible in the first year. We regularly attend events like careers fairs and are taught to give plant tours as well. 2nd - 4th year: The second to fourth year will involve placements around the plant ranging from logistics to Functional Integration; before spending the 4th year solely in the intended area for a job role.

The first year is spent studying a Btech level 3 in Engineering. The following years we spend towards gathering NVQ's in addition to studying for a degree. Allot of industry relevant skills are picked up as well in addition to these formal qualifications. I, for example, have learnt how to properly conduct plant tours in addition to strengthening my people skills. Opportunities arise where I have to present to important managers which provides me with invaluable skills. I came to this apprenticeship with little technical knowledge, especially since not taking an A level in physics, so the technical know-how alone I picked up during the first year was incredible.

BMW is a company that cares for its employees. This is evident by the way that we are treated and the perks we receive. Our managers have an open door policy and we are free to talk to them whenever we want. Our managers always try to instill in us good corporate culture, although, understand that this would be many people's first job and are lenient with any mistakes. I thoroughly enjoy my time at BMW and look forward to many more years.

BMW see their apprentices as the future of the company. They constantly reiterate this during meetings and always want you to ask questions. Managers also regularly try to involve us in activities such as careers events.

The induction process was incredibly well organized. Uniforms and safety equipment was ready on the first day. The training provider (Birmingham Metropolitan) is not as organized as BMW itself, leading to some issues with delayed results showing up on the assignment board in addition to some issues with timings of assignments. However, that being said, our year was the first year that Birmingham Metropolitan ran the trailblazer course, packing tons of learning into a short space of time. This being considered they performed pretty well. After speaking to my friends, I also realize that they are not as bad as some providers.

The training provider has an office based in the training acedemy and therefore we have constant interaction with tutors and the college itseld. They are always willing to help and have a good attitude toward learning. However, they could be a little more organised as mentioned above.

BMW is a company that cares for its employees. This is evident by the way that we are treated and the perks we receive. Our managers have an open door policy and we are free to talk to them whenever we want. Our managers always try to instill in us good corporate culture, although, understand that this would be many people's first job and are lenient with any mistakes. It's very difficult to find faults in the support I receive from my employer. The only reason for scoring a 9 is because I believe there is always room for improvement.

I moved from leicester into Oxford (Mini Plant) for the apprenticeship and have to deal with the high costs of living in Oxford. However, I do manage to scrape by, in addition to running my car myself on the salary provided. We do recieve a increase every 6 months and so as the years go by it will get easier.

The company always has something or other going on. Ranging from mountain challenges in Wales, to Marathons in Oslo. If you want to get involved it's incredibly easy. Oxford night life is also relatively vibrant and there's always things to do. However, personally when I'm not working, I'm happy with a good session at the gym.

Yes

I can comfortably say that, from talking to friends and previous industry experiences, BMW is a great company that takes care of its employees. My experience, especially with my managers has always been pleasant. They have always supported me..

Relax and be yourself during the interviews. Understand that not only is BMW trying to see if you fit in, you are also trying to see if you like the company. It is also hard work, as anything good is in life, so be prepared for that. Save up some money to be able to get onto the company car scheme to get a brand new BMW ;) Good Luck!