Maintenance Review

Maintenance Engineer - My day to day job involves responding to breakdowns and carrying out preventative maintenance activities. Whilst working full time I also do a Level 4 HNC at college and am in the process of completing an NVQ.

During the course of this apprenticeship I have learned a great deal of new skills. This includes soft skills which has helped me interact within the business and will definitely help me in future job roles. Also, I have learned a variety of practical skills. This includes: Turning, Machining, PLC, Electrical, Mechanical, Fluid Power, etc... Which has been a fantastic opportunity as I have never had exposure to this sort of thing at all.

I enjoy working with people who want to train apprentices and are willing to show you how things work. I like the fact that I am constantly learning something new. Other aspects of the company could be improved.

My line manager in Swindon has been a great help and has listened to what I have said - then acted upon. Other aspects of the BMW group I would not say that the same value is there. I don't think our opinions are valued higher up as we are not involved anymore in making decisions which will impact our own apprenticeship.

I like the fact that I am not constantly micromanaged as I have had to learn how to manage myself. I think there could be improvements with regards to the stucture or timeline of the training that has been conducted (and that is still in progress). In Swindon there has been time made available for studying which has been a great help to try and keep on top of the heavy workload.

Support has been present if required, but the attitude behind the training provider does not always seem to be genuine. In previous years more support was made available when encouraged by the company.

My line manager in Swindon has provided me with a great deal of support and does so continously. When facing diffuclities within the business she has gone over and beyond with providing me with support. She has provided me support with a very proactive attitude and has responded to my feedback immediately. OTher aspects of the management, HR team and union could definitley make improvements on the support and attitude.

The salary that we recieve is fantastic for an apprenticeship. It has definitley been a benefit to earn whilst you learn. Although in terms of living costs in the surrounding area it would be a struggle to move out of my parents home and support myself.

There are careers events of available which I used to manage myself in previous areas. Which was a great opportunity to build up more holiday. Also, it helped me with public speaking. But it was more of a self-sacrafice. But, in my new area the correct people are carrying out this role.

Yes

I would say that this apprenticeship gives you a great opportunity to earn money and gain work experience. But, a lot of improvements need to be made. You must be willing to work very hard in your own time and be able to work under pressure - whilst self teaching a lot of the course.

I would encourage you to consider engineering based activities when applying to show that you have an interest. Also, to consider bringing a project to the interviews as it gives you an opportunity to show case yourself. Also, to talk about something that you understand.