Maintenance Technician Review

The role is: Maintenance Technician. The first year of the apprenticship is spent at college, completing a PEO level 2 and in the first and second year you complete a BTEC level 3. The following 3 years are spent at plant, completing 3 months placements around the plant in different areas. During this time you shadow technicians, learn the roles and complete small work-based projects. In the third year you complete an NVQ level 3 and in the third and forth year you complete a foundation degree.

Qualifications completed at the end of the apprenticeship include PEO level 2, NVQ level 3, BTEC level 3 and foundation degree. Other training courses are offered such as working at heights and risk assessment training. Skills are picked up on a day to day basis, these are generally learned in the first year at college and then developed at work. This includes using machinery and hand tools.

I enjoy this program because you get to experience a variety of roles through completing placements around the factory. This allows you to work with a range of people and find roles that you feel you are best at. You are also able to pick up more skills from other areas and other people.

Appreciation from BMW depends on the person, often people you will work for in the factory will recognise any work you do for them. This is communicated to your manager who will also show value for what you have done. This is recorded for future reference.

The program is well structured. When you start the job there is a clear plan as to what you will do. This is often subject to conditions which will change with time but overall, there is a set plan which you are told about and if you have any issues with this you can speak to your training manager who will advise you.

Support for the training provider is limited, there are often problems with lecturers willingness to help you and provide you with the support you need. The classes consist of both apprentices and students of varying abilities and there is not always the range of support for all of these students.

Support from the apprentice manager is limited. Often the problems we come across are with college/external and we have to deal with these ourselves. Attitudes towards supporting you are there, but they are not always follwed up with actions.

The salary rises every 6 months subject to performance. To start with this was close to my costs but with time this became better as it rose quite quickly.

There are limited opportunities outside of work due to the nature of the work environment. The plant is based in Birmingham and everyone lives within a radius of this which makes it difficult to meet up. Also, we are all often working different shifts which also make it difficult.

Yes

BMW offer a good apprenticeship through which you can gain qualifications and work experience which are useful within the company and are widely recognised by other companies in the industry.

Prepare for the assessment centre/interview. There are typical interview style questions which can be researched. Be confident in yourself.