Technical Engineering Apprentice Review

Currently my role revolves around learning, through a number of placements taking me through the majority of the business. I spend a few months in each department, learning what they do on a day to day basis, their overall function within the business, and how they work with other departments (especially my home department) to fulfill their role.

I came into my role with very little knowledge of what it takes to build a car, and the amount of work that goes into every detail. I have learnt and developed a number of skills in my journey since then; problem solving, efficient communication, data analysis and collection, as well as a whole host of other skills.

As with all learning and development programs, it has it's upsides and its downsides. Thankfully, for me, I can say that the upsides absolutely dwarf any momentary negatives I might face. The amount I have learn about our business, the skills, and the people in it has helped develop me at a pace I did not know possible. Whilst I may have days of tedious work, it does not diminish the overall enjoyment.

The BMW Group is a very large organisation, and with any business of it's size it can be easy to fall through the gaps, and go unnoticed and undervalued. However, to the credit of the Group I have felt neither. My manager is supportive and honest, and internal steering, although sometimes feeling distant, is always there when needed. There are also a nice number of Apprentice run projects.

Our year of apprentice intake were put on a new scheme called the 'Apprentice Standard', the implementation of which has left a lot to be desired. However this is not unusual for a new scheme, and whilst my experiences may not always be positive they also may not be indicative of what others would or will experience. I must say though, that the structure given by my manager has been fantastic, and so my time in work is well planned and allocated.

Chichester College have not always been the best at supporting us. Communication from the course managers has often left a lot to be desired. This was worst towards the end of our first year, but has since improved somewhat. In terms of learning support though that cannot be faulted, our lecturers individually are all very good at what they do, and very good at passing on that knowledge to us.

Employer support has been good, but not perfect. I personally believe that most of the negative aspects as can be attributed to a lack of good communication between our training provider and our employer, although this is just my personal opinion. The vast majority of the time though the support has been fantastic, HR and my manager have been helpful, informative and easily accessible. They have been happy to provide all of the guidance and support I have needed.

As someone living away from home, my salary does meet my costs, but doesn't leave a lot to spare. This is partly from the cost of living down south, and so cannot really be helped. Although if i lived at home i'm sure i'd be living the sweet life

There are a number of out-of-work opportunities, from the in house charity to department specific social events. I have had the opportunity to represent Rolls-Royce and the wider BMW Group at an Apprentice Event in the House of Lords. Currently I am involved in a project designing and manufacturing a body for a local primary school's Go-Kart.

Yes

A good working environment, enjoyable and rewarding work with enough benefits to tide you over. The BMW Group provides plenty of opportunity for advancement, providing you show the right initiative. Overall though it is what you make of it, and you have to put in the time and effort to see the rewards.

When applying for an apprenticeship you're not expected to be a master at an interview, you're not expected to ace every test you're given, and you are not expected to have mastered interviews. They're looking for people who are smart, committed, and who have the potential and drive to grow.