Leather Covering Apprentice Review

As I am a Leather shop Apprentice, my role is very hands on. I mainly cover the parts with leather but I also sew, check the leather and support the process supporters.

I had never covered parts before I started my apprenticeship. I can now cover parts, within our set times and to a high standard. The main skill I have developed is management. from working with the managers within my department, I have learnt the key people skills and deligation skills to successsfully manage a zone.

There is a lot of diversity within my department which means I've met a lot of interesting people from all over the world. I do feel that I am sometimes over looked when the associates/team are busy, but this is to be expected. Overall I really enjoy my job and am looking forward to the rest of the apprenticeship

We have regular meetings with managers and mentors to track our progress. This makes me feel that the company really does care about how their apprentices are doing and how they can progress through the company.

My programme has a timetable that we stick to whoch allows us to visit each area within the department. We get an good knowledge of every area.

There is always suppoort availiable, like mentioned before, there are always meetings taking place to make sure we are happy and doing well on the apprenticeship

HR are always very helpful aswell as the management team. We have an apprentice leader within HR that we can contact directly if we have and questions/issues.

As I am only in my first year of my apprenticeship, the salary is quite low. It does pay better than most other apprenticeship schemes outside of the BMW Group. I have to byuy A LOT of my own equipment for college including chairs and fabric, with are both normally over £100 each, every time I need them. I live about a 40 minute drive away from my work which costs means I do use a lot of petrol per month, a considerable amount more than others. I also pay rent so overall, I am not left with a huge amount of money each month. I do pay into the company pension scheme which will be beneficial for me in the future. My pay will slightly increase into my second year, however I think there should be some kind of bursary avaliable for college equipment.

As I am only on early shifts, I am able to attend my own classes in the evening. We have not yet been offered any apprentice events to attend. I have been able to continue classes that I was attending before I started work which is good.

Yes

It is a freindly evironment to work in. It feels like the company really cares about your progression and learning.

Make it clear that you want to progress through the company. You want to show that you have the potential to head for greater things. Not only with this develop your career within the BMW Group but your skills will also help develop the compny.