Leather Sewing Apprentice Review

I am currently a Leather Sewing Apprentice at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Within the leather shop there are 6 zones/areas and I am in the process of making my way around all of them in my first year. I am spending 2 months in each zone and the tasks vary from shadowing associates, being trained on different job-sticks and learning about company processes as a whole.

I started my apprenticeship after graduating university so I feel as if I am utilising my skills while I am here. Transferring skills into the workplace has made for an interesting transition and I am more than happy to be completing a Level 2 City and Guilds course along side my working practice.

I am enjoying the prospects of progression through completing my apprenticeship as well as the warm welcome I received once starting. The week is divided nicely between work and study and I feel like a valued member of the apprentice team. I didn't know what to expect when I first started but I am content and challenged enough while at college and work.

BMW Group put a lot of effort into their apprenticeship program, it's encouraging to see how far some ex-apprentices have progressed throughout the company and that gives me the drive to do well. I feel valued as I have been asked to complete lot's of mini tasks, projects and exhibitions along side my training and it's encouraging that I am trusted with these tasks and given feedback on each.

From the first day I started, the whole first year was mapped out for me so the organisation and prior planning couldn't' be any better. I am kept up to date daily via emails and weekly via the team brief. My training is very structured and I have a monthly meeting with my manager as well as a termly meeting involving; my manager, my trainer, the apprentice manager and a representative from the college I attend to discuss my progress.

My trainer is available to talk to everyday should I need it. I can do this in person as well as email as we work on a slightly different shift. She is always on hand to answer any questions and organise my time effectively and efficiently. I am happy with my current level of support.

Most communication with my employer tends to be through my trainer. It is not where I seek support in the first instance so there is rarely need to go to them for support or guidance. There has been more them one occasion that they haven't shown up for meetings so the support is quite minimal when compared to the trainer.

I still live at home but I couldn't afford to move out on my currently salary. I think the salary is fair when compared to other apprentices but as an older apprentice I have different financial priories than somebody of school or college age. I live around a 40 minute drive away and have to rely on lifts as I haven't passed my driving test yet, this will have to wait to be completed until after my salary has risen.

There have been opportunities to represent the company on separate occasions outside of work since I have been an apprentice. As well as this, with apprentices being on a constant early shift and finishing a working day at half past two, it gives you lot's of leisure time in the afternoon.

Yes

Opportunities gained through work such as; travel, networking, skills gained, knowledge transferred,

Be confident and willing to learn. Say yes to any opportunity given.