Measurement Apprentice Review

My role as a technical apprentice based in the measurement room is to help give technical assistance to other team members in the form of measurements to aid analysis. i have to produce measuement reports displaying the geometrical analysis of parts and assemblies. I am responsible for providing reliable data and completing measurement requests to a suitable standard

I have learnt how to use various measurement systems to validate parts and assemblies. i have learnet how to use two types of software and other BMW systems. also i now have skills to come up with alignment concepts and produce measurement reports without a measurement plan. i have also learned how to validate and highlight issues with current measurement plans. i have learnt the processes behind geometrical analysis and therefore how to produce the correct measurement reports to assist this process.

I enjoy my day to day work and the technical role i am given the responsibility. i don’t however enjoy the time restrictions and requirements required by the company. The culture of quickly getting analysis done doesn’t allow for the measurement process to be carried out correctly and therefore is frustrating that the quality of work can’t be to the highest standard.

I feel somewhat valued in my team and in my department and i feel the work i do has an impact on the quality of the product produce, this gives a feeling of value added. However i don't feel valued by the structure higher than a department level and therefore the group. Others at the same level have had a number of opportunities that I haven’t had the chance to take advantage of. This doesn’t seem to be based on my performance but based on circumstance

The apprenticeship programme lacks organisation in some major areas. I am yet to be enrolled correctly on my college course and meetings between my manager, HR and my college don't seem to take place. There is very little if any contact between the college and my company with no way of reviewing my performance. Also the placement structure is not adhered to and as a result I haven’t completed many placements

My training provider provides a lot of support in the classroom and sets aside more than enough time for one to one sessions with the tutors however assignment work isn't marked quick enough to give feedback on the work. This becomes very frustrating when an issue comes from an early assignment where the feedback would have been ideal to implement changes in following assignments

I receive support from my employers to help with work related activities however little support with activities related to my college work. I don't get given sufficient time to complete college assignments and when i do get time allocated it gets side tracked and over-ridden with tasks deemed higher priority. I also don’t get the technical support sometimes required when doing college assignments

The salary and benefits package is clearly designed for apprentices that are still living with their parents. The apprenticeship opportunities in the area where i lived weren’t as good and therefore I had to move away for a better opportunity. Due to legislation apprentices can't have a second job to supplement the lower income and the combination therefore makes living quite difficult due to the costs of living against the wages received. On top of this, the benefit system is only a benefit to those that can afford the benefits and therefore cannot be exploited as an apprentice

BMW holds an open event annually however restrictions to the event mean only a few of my family have had the opportunity to attend. There are some internally organised activities however the cost makes them hard to attend for apprentices as they are usually organised by those with a disposable income. I have had the opportunity to take part in the Green goblin electric kart event in collaboration with the local school however haven’t had the opportunities to do things outside of work that where initially promised at the start of my apprenticeship.

No

The opportunities BMW advertise against the ones the apprentices receive are different. Apprentices seem to be viewed as ideal holiday cover and more cost effective head count rather than an investment into the business to develop into a technical role. Some apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship don’t get a contract due to the fact that the job card not being signed off because it is easier to get another apprentice. Apprentices are being sold a deal that some won't receive. Also with the company promoting diversity in the workplace opportunities are restricted and given to those who will boost company image with regards to diversity and discrimination

Take a look at apprenticeships closer to home and to smaller businesses who value you as a future employee as well as head count. If BMW is the best place for you then ask questions with regards to the plans they have for you as an apprentice and what they plan to develop you into. After all they are making a big investment in you but you are also investing a great deal of time in them at a valuable time in your career