mature apprentice Review

The course I am doing is an advanced engineering apprenticeship at Swindon college through BMW Swindon. I'm a mature student who attends Swindon college. I'm currently taking 17 Units in an engineering course and 1 day of BTEC studies. The units range from working on the lathe/mill to electronics. The units have assignments which can be done either in class time or free time at home.

Like the previous question above I’ve learnt new skills while attending college like using the Mill in the workshop or using the lathe in the workshop too. Doing electronics in college is a new skill that I use which has always been an interest of mine so I’ve enjoyed that in particular even though I’ve found it fairly difficult. But enjoyable all the same.

This particular program I am on is enjoyable to me and exciting as being a mature student i am relishing the opportunity I’ve been given by my company to be able to get paid as well as studying which i am getting paid to do too. This extent is good because i can still live the life i have (paying my mortgage) as well as learning which is very nice to do.

Well i have been working for the company for about 20 years. Fifteen of which have been employed by the company. The five before i was employed by an agency in oxford. I feel very valued by my company. more of which now due to the fact they have given me this opportunity of the mature apprenticeship.

Well my structure has 2 parts to it. The college side of it and my employers side. Both i feel have been excellent throughout this year while I’ve been doing the course. Obviously i know that my employer is well structured because I have been working with them many years but the college side of it is new to me which I feel they have been really helpful and supportive throughout.

So my training provider is basically my college supporter i get in college. Her name is Lisa and i belive i have been given really good support from her thoughout my course. Her door is always open so i am able to speak to her whenever i need too. Shes really helpful and i feel lucky to have such good support with her. Another support is support for my maths which i've found are really helpful too.

My employer has always been helpful throughout the time I have been employed with them. I get good updates from my employer about the company because when I’m at college I don't get to see what’s going on in the business. My manager will provide team briefs which are helpful and she’s always on hand if I need her.

My salary package definitely meets my costs in everyday life because being a mature student I have bills to pay, a family to support and it is nice to still keep them happy whilst I’m able to further my career and study in college at the same time. All of these things i think is a brillant reward for me and my family so hopfully when i'm fully trained i can use my knowledge to give back to the company. So all in all i'm getting paid my previous wage with out my shift allowance which i really good.

There are lots of opportunities outside of work. Things like team building weekends that are organised though my company. These can be things like a weekend in Skirn lodge in Devon to an upcoming mountain challenge myself and some of the apprentices are taking part in. it has been really enjoyable and the practice walks we have done for the mountain challenge have been really fun in taking part in.

Yes

The reasons I would recommend my company to others and friends are all of the above things I have mentioned. They are a great company to work for and they really give the opportunity to the staff to help better themselves as well as making it fun in the mean time.

If anyone I know would want to apply to BMW group or anyone that asks me about applying to the company I would deffinatley give them a few tips about studying maths or knowing it before as I feel even though the support is given there is quite a lots of maths involved in the course.