Toolmaker Apprentice Review

My job role when in Plant will be a Toolmaker. This job will consist of carrying out maintenance on the tooling that is used to press the cars panels, such as the dies and other tooling that is used. This will involve interactions with my peers and also experienced toolmakers, this will be carried out when solving problems and trying to find the best solutions to issues present.

I have built a range of new skills whilst in college. I am completing a Level 3 knowledge based course in Advanced Engineering Manufacturing and also Level 2 practical based qualification. I have also developed machining skills in the workshop on the cente lathe, mill and I have also developed welding skills - all of which I have developed at college. Personally I have met good people, this makes it helpful whilst at work developing skills with each other.

The programme that I am currently on is enjoyable, fun and most of all I have learnt a range of new skills that can be developed and took to the workplace. The company supports me and ensures that I am getting the most out of the qualifications that I am completing. The team culture is also great and the fact that there are so many experiances through work, such as the mountain challenge, which is great for team building. I have enjoyed the programme greatly and have learnt a range of new skills.

I feel valued by BMW Group, the support is great and with regular meetings with my manager and training co-ordinator it is good and helpful to talk about what I have done well, and areas that I can improve upon or work towards. This is extremely motivating as it means that the goals I set myself are high, and results in the completion of work to a good standard.

The programme that I currently complete is structured well and gives sufficient time to complete jobs, even if mistakes are made during the process of completing the jobs and tasks. I was inducted well to the programme at the start of the year. This helps to ensure that the way I structure my work is correct and easy to read and look through. I have regular meetings not only with my manager, but also the training co-ordinator at college.

The tutors, manager and training co-ordinator at college all offer support and are all very approachable and easy to talk to should I need to. They are always happy to help and will always offer me the most suitable and helpful solutions should I need to receive support.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, whether this is my manager, the years ahead of me and also my peers in my year. The support will aid with my development and will help me to improve as much as possible.

My salary supports my requirements, involving living, travel and social costs. We are also able to get a car on the scheme through work, so any costs regarding travel or my car will come straight out of my salary - this is helpful as all I need to do is full the tank up each month. Overall my salary suits and meets the costs that I require every month sufficiently.

There are a range of oppurtunities outside of work which aid with team building and development in the workplace. My year and I are currently completing preparations for a mountain challenge against other apprentices. This is really good fun and helps with the team work. We also visited Skern Lodge, an adventure centre, before the 1st year started. This helped with meeting everyone and building relationships with management and peers.

Yes

It is a brilliant company that I am proud to represent. They support you well and ensure that you are developing the way you should be, and to your maximum potential with terms to work. The team building events outside of working hours is also good fun, and aids with the team work and working relationships with others.

When appying it is desirable to have an engineering background and from personal experience I can say that this is very helpful - however not vital. The process requires the appropriate GCSEs and also the completion of the assessment days and tests. It is good to prepare and conduct research before the interview, best preparing you for the interview process. I would also say that as long as you are yourself and smiling, this will be helpful when completing the interview and assessments.