Maintenance Apprentice Review

Maintenance Engineer: The role of a maintenance engineer is to maintain and look after a variety of equipment. This includes: detection, rectification, and prevention of faults occuring. When in a maintenance tole I carry-out regular preventative maintenance activities. But, also attend breakdowns with the skilled-men that I am working with. During a week I spend 1 day a week at college learing the academic side of things. Then in the remaining 4 days a week I am on placement which requires me to carry-out practical work. Also, during our apprenticeship we are required to complete regular logbooks detailing what jobs we have carried out whilst out on placement. Additionally, as an apprentice I take part it lots of careers events and projects.

During my time here I would say that I have been taught how to be independent and how to self-manage. As an apprentice at BMW is ‘soft skills’. This is something that is developed greatly during an apprenticeship as you have to mature and be able to communication with different people of different status within a business – with this confidence increases greatly. Also, doing an apprenticeship enabled me to learn how to manage and run different events; I would say that it has made me better my organisational skills, in terms of organising people, equipment, timings/agendas which is something that could be very beneficial in future job roles. Also, I have learned a huge array of practical skills. Including the of following: - Electrical - Mechanical - Machining (turning and milling) - Hand-fitting - Fluid Power - PLC programming

I really enjoy working within this company as it gives you the ability to progress and opens up a lot of opportunities. Also, I enjoy the fact that you are part of the business and everything that I do seems to have meaning; at school I would often question the relevance of of certain subjects/topics whereas everything here is applied and relevant to the job role I will be going into.

I feel that we recieve a lot of feedback from the managers that we work with, which to me shows that I am valued as an apprentice as they give their time to support and help me develop. When carrying-out tasks for members on-site I feel that most of the time I recieve the gratification that I deserve. I am given a lot of responsbility to carry-out activties which shows to me that I am a valued and trusted member of the group.

In terms of the apprenticeship I feel that it is divided into 2 categoreies when looking at the structure; these categories include college (BMET) and placements (BMW itself). I feel that in terms of the college it has lot of areas to improve and it should be more open to views of the company. In my first year the structure was very poor due to the fact that when tutors were lost the college had nothing in place to fill the gap. However, for the current first years I feel that there is a lot more structure for them; also that it is continiously improving. Additonally, I feel that due to the fact that it is on-site we are very fortunate as we have the businesses support to rectify any issues that airse. When issues have arised in the past the business has stepped in an organised extra support/training. In terms of the business itself, I feel that the placements generally as whole are fairly organised. The training manager provides a lot of support for apprentices and ensures that things are running smoothly. One point to improve would be for the maintenance men we are working with to be made aware of what it is we need to learn - this is feedback I have received. Although to an extent I believe that that responsbility falls onto the apprentice to an extent; but perhaps there could be more communication in that respect. To summarise, I feel that the way BMW has intended to run the programmme is well structured.

I feel that the training provider is the weakness in the programme, although I have not experienced other providers I feel that in comparison to the business side of things it is where the issues lie. When encouraged by the business more support will be made available. However, I feel that the college lacks in that respect. I do believe that many tutors would provide support when approached; but others struggle to provide that support thus causing problems in the long run. For example, in the first year due to the lack or poor support a lot of training time was lost due to poor training. Leaving the responsbility on the apprentices to make up for the problems that was caused by the training provider. When approaching the end of the year there were an unmanageable amount of topics in comparison to the time-frame that was available.

I feel that I receive a huge amount of support from the employer as it is available for all apprentices if they flag up that it is required. The training manager will provide support in many aspects, including: training, college, and personal issues. Also, the training manager is very responsive to issues that arrive and will always provide guidance. `

I feel that I am paid very well at work. Also, taking into account that I am being paid to learn and all of the training is being paid for.

In terms of un-related work activities there is a huge amount. For example, there is a huge amount of additional training which is available to those that seek it. I am currently joining the oxfordshire LEP ambassador scheme which gives me the opportunity to take part in presentation training and experience other recuitment events. I also manage/run the careers events for the apprenticeship programme. Which is a good opportunity to build skill sets, my own profile and to enter the community. We have various benefits/discounts at other establishments which is an opportunity outside of work. Also, the car scheme is a fantastic opportunity as it enabled me to have a brand-new car after having passed my test at 17. Furthering this point I had the ability to pay for driving lessons too - which many people my age struggle with.

Yes

An apprenticeship at BMW has many opportunities accompanied it. This includes on-the-job training which is invaluable as you start your early career path with the correct business mind-set; it gives the business and opportunity to shape you at the beginning of your career to meet their requirements. This alone makes you a desirable candidate for future job prospects. Also, this apprenticeship allowed me to carry-out/obtain meaningful qualifications which have relevance to the job that I am training to do. It is fairly common that people obtain qualifications but have no idea how to apply these skills. Additionally, it enables you to carry-out a vast amount of personal development through-out the course; which I feel is just as benefical as the qualifications - if not more.

I would say make sure that you bring a project to talk about on the assessment day; as it gives you an opportunity to show case yourself and it gives you a chance to control the topic of conversation - meaning that you will be more comfortable. Also, I think it is very benefical to try and do work experience or find a way of showing an interest in the business. As there are a lot of candidates and you need to show that you are the best and most interested/willing in doing an apprenticeship.