Maintenance Technician Apprentice Review

I am a maintenance technician apprentice at the mini plant in Cowley, Oxford. I am currently in my second year of the apprenticeship. On a day to day basis i assist maintenance associates on the plant, going to breakdowns and assisting with other maintenance activities such as servicing and repairing equipment used out on plant. Once a week i complete my second year of Engineering for Technicians BTEC carrying out units such as CAD. (computer aided design) and Materials.

Since starting the apprenticeship i have learnt many key skills. During the first year of the apprenticeship i learnt basic engineering skills, such as Electrical wiring, Machining using Lathes and Mills,Mechanical maintenance such as aligning bearings and shafts, we also use up to date PLC equipment to create pneumatic and hydraluic circuits. In the second year of my apprenticeship i have used these key skills whilst continuing to learn and improve these during placcements on the plant.

I enjoy working at the plant and carrting out maintenance activities on a day to day basis. During my time i have regularly worked in a team to complete activities and the apprenticeship so far has exceeded my expectations. During my time i have met many of the maintenance associates and have learnt new skills from each of them.

During my time at BMW plant Oxford i have felt very appreciated by both my managers and the maintenance associates whom i have worked with. I am given a fair opportunity to get involved with various tasks and projects within the plant and i feel like a valued member of the BMW Group.

I feel like so far my programme has been organised well, and i have recieved adequate support when necessary. Task delegation is completed fairly, and within good time therefore i always know if i need to be somehwere on site. My training has been fully supported by the company, and any studying i need to do is well supported by my various managers and associates.

I feel like i get full support from my training provider. Each of our tutors/managers are fully accessible and are happy to help with general problems and will provide guidance if needed which is increadibly helpful. Providing all this help has helped me enjoy my experience so far at the company.

I recieve good support from my managers, regular meetings are planned to discuss any issues that may have occured and if any problems do occur, managers are happy to give a helping hand. Guidance is provided where necessary and the HR team are also very accessible and welcoming to help.

My salary package covers all of my costs throughout the month including rent and travel costs such as fuel and insurance. It also covers my daily costs such as food and social costs at the weekend etc. The salary met my expectation and has only got better since i joined the company which is a great bonus.

BMW group provide many opportunities outside of work to get involved in various company events such as festivals etc within the local community. At the events you help promote the apprenticeship to hopefully new applicants applying within the next year. the plant also regularly offers social events for charity in which many associates take part.

Yes

Since i have been at the company i have thoroughly enjoyed my time, i have learnt many new skills which i have therefore taken further into my apprenticeship. Whilst constantly learning it has also helped me to bond new friendships with my associates. During my time i have felt fully supported with everything i do at the company and hopefully i contunue to enjoy my time here.

The application process was challenging, firstly i conducted a series of tests including maths, english and mechanical knowledge. Since i had not done much maths since GCSES i struggled completing the maths side therefore i would revise basic maths before completing these tests. Once i completed the tests i got invited for an interview/assessment day. On this day i conducted the tests once more and carried out various team excercies. During the interview i was asked about a project i conducted and was asked what i knew about the company itself. During this time i was also told about the vast opportunities that present themselves at the company also.