Maintenance Technician Apprentice Review

I am training to become a maintenance technician for the engine assembly line at BMW plant Hams Hall. During the first year all our time is spent learning skills at a local BMET college where we gain practical skills and improve our engineering knowledge through btecs. I have met some good people from BMW and other companies during my time, the only thing that lets it down for me is some of the college areas and lessons could be a little more structured and organised.

I have both learnt and developed many skills. I have a good level of previous skills in areas such as maths, mechanical principles, electrics, and other theory subjects from previously doing A-levels. I feel I have developed good knowledge in practical areas such as turning, bench, milling, general maintenance, and soldering.

So far I have enjoyed my apprenticeship a lot and have a real good friendship group, all of which I had never met before the course. We also have gained some experience from our time at the plant, even though not much is spent there during the first year. I am looking forward to spending more time there next year.

I do feel valued well by the company, we have good interactions with our manager and others from our company, all of which treat well and with a high level of respect. We also had the opportunity to meet the Plant Director and give him a tour of our college and ask him questions which was a great experience.

The program is well structured in the sense that you understand fully what you will gain from it, where it will lead you and other things such as benefits and pay. The only thing that can sometimes seem unstructured is the lesson plans and teaching timetables at the external college.

We have a very good personal tutor at our college who aids us in any way we require. Our manager from BMW is also supportive doing regular reviews to track progress and for us to raise any issues.

The support in the first year is mainly from college and not so much from BMW due to us spending most of our time at college. Our manager does still offer support if necessary and we are supplied with contact numbers if need be.

It meets my needs comfortably, I live at home, drive a BMW and enjoy commitments such as gym and going out with friends. All of which can be afforded.

We were able to take a trip to skern lodge at the beginning of the apprenticeship which was a great experience. We also got to travel to Oxford mini plant and got accommodation paid for. There are staff competitions such as winning tickets to PGA bmw golf championship, and good discounts from other retailers. They also supply a car scheme from the beginning of the apprenticeship which gives the opportunity to own a brand new BMW for use outside of work for an affordable rate.

Yes

I have gained good skills, good friends, great opportunities and the experience has been positive.

Prepare well for the interview and be confident in yourself. If taken onto the apprenticeship, complete work early as course work does build up.