Apprentice Maintence Technician Review

I am an Apprentice maintenance technician. What this involves is making sure that the line which I am currently on runs as smoothly as possible with the least amount of failures. On a day to day basis, it is important to check which stations are running the least efficiently and determine what the cause of this is. Then using the skills I have learnt - eradicate the issue. As an apprentice I don't really have any responsibilities other than to learn as much as possible.

During my time at college I did the trailblazer and BTEC level 3. The trailblazer provided me with the practical skills which help me day to day at work. And the BTEC provided me with the theory and knowledge. In my second year I'm still doing my BTEC and now the NVQ also. However, since coming to work it is clear that college didn't provide a sufficient service as there are a lot of things that I don't know which I should've been taught.

I personally don't enjoy college for many reasons. However I do enjoy being at work and learning at work as I feel that what I learn is much more beneficial and obviously is helping me to become a better technician. I think if college was a better experience I would enjoy the programme more.

I do feel valued because the people who I work with respect me as a member of the team rather than being an apprentice. The more experience I've had and the more I have learnt has made me feel like a genuine help to the other technicians and being recognised for this help is very valuing. Additionally, I have been given many opportunities to do many little projects around the line which again is nice.

There is definitely plenty of room for improvement. The first year full time at college was very unorganised. Many issues with teachers and the different units (I do believe these issues are being resolved) but i think these issues come from the college being poor rather than BMW. But it would be nice if BMW could resolve those issues as most of the years have faced many problems with college. In the second year, you are placed straight into work with very minimal induction and are placed on an area where it seems like the people you are with are not expecting you to be there. No real plan is in place as to what you need to know or to learn, so the technicians who you are placed with don't exactly know what they need to be teaching you. So some technicians have a better idea and are very valuable to spend time with and others can make you feel like you are getting nowhere. However, we do have regular meetings with our training provider, so some improvement should be on the way.

At college - little to none. If there are any problems there I wouldn't even bother. I would come to work and discuss the issues with my manager instead as I know it would be more beneficial. There have been many issues that have never been resolved, so i would say the attitude to dealing with problems is rather low.

My manager at work is most often always at work and if not is often available to phone if there are any problems. I know I can go and see him if there are any problems. The mentor I have personally been given is really supportive. We have regular meetings every 3 weeks, and has provided me with a training document so I know what I should be learning at work. That has provided me with some type of structure to the programme. It also has helped the technicians I’m with to know what I need to learn. Without this, I don't think I would have as much knowledge as I do. I personally am more likely to go to him with any issues rather than my manager.

I am only 17 and still live at home so obviously any amount of money is sufficient for me as i pay no bills. However, I do believe that the salary at BMW is rather generous and is one of the better paid apprenticeships. The car scheme also helps very much as my insurance is covered by the company, if this were not the case my insurance for any car would be too expensive for me.

Personally I don't think that work has had much involvement in my personal life. I have not been involved in any outside work company events or classes. Starting work at 16 has provided me with some life skills. Receiving money and having a car provided has definitely made me more mature.

Yes

I would because I think it was very beneficial for me personally because when I left school I knew I didn't want to do A-Levels or go to university so an apprenticeship has provided me with another option. At 16 when I started I was receiving a substantial pay package for my age and at 17 I was able to get a company car with my insurance payed for. I do believe it is a good experience.

When I applied to the job, I did it through a work experience scheme called girls go technical which is offered every year. So I don't know how the standard application process is for applying just to the apprenticeship. However, I would recommend to any girls looking to get an apprenticeship to apply and do girls go technical first as it does provide an insight into what you would be doing at work and gives you a little bit of experience before applying.