Work Experience Review

I got to observe the process of building a vehicle from inception to rolling off the production line, i also learnt and used the bespoke programming they use in their hydraulic systems as to pick up heavy parts of the machinery and move them most efficiently. We also worked with pre-existing employees and did some icebreakers and CV workshops within the group of people that were on the work experience weeks with.

I learnt a new bespoke coding language but also how to build an interesting CV that will catch employers attention and interest- I have used this when I applied for other degree apprenticeships or other university courses. I also improved my team work skills as we had to work within small teams for each day, this helped become more confident socializing with new people.

I thoroughly enjoyed my three weeks at BMW, as they had apprentices on all days we were there to talk to us and break the ice between higher up manager but also other staff on the plant at the time. Everyone was really friendly and social, although the early mornings were very hard to wake up for because we got up when the Factory opened.

In my opinion it was well organized, every morning we met at the front building where a receptionist was there to greet and check us off a list. Every morning the apprentices that were leading a group were aware of each person in their team and what they'd be doing throughout the day. Every question asked whether that was to do with the apprenticeship program ran by BMW or questions to do with manufacturing in the factory was answered correctly.

I learnt a lot throughout my days at the Oxford Plant, Apprentices were with us at all times to answer personal questions and also give anecdotes and their own experiences as being and employee. Our days were centered around the times of the factory staff, we arrived and begun with everyone else at 5am, and had lunch and dinner with the rest of the staff too.

It helped as although I had a very positive experience and enjoyed my time there, I realized manufacturing engineering wasn't for me. My experience has made me realize however that i would like to go down the degree apprenticeship route rather than going straight to University. I gained this from talking to the apprenticeships but also the employers.

I was not paid it was voluntary, it was a work experience. However I received multiple free goods whilst there - including a free sweatshirt and t-shirt, they paid for all our lunches as well as our breakfasts at the canteen on site. We received a tour of the plant which usually people book for £50+ per person.

Yes, in my opinion there were several opportunities as there was always an apprentice within the group showing us around. There was also many opportunities to interact and engage with employees at the plant on all different levels- for example we were able to ask questions to the staff designing the newest model to be rolled at 2020.

Yes

It was an overall fun and enjoyable experience where i gained lots of new knowledge on both different routes to take after a-levels but also industry standards and what employers except from a CV, you as an interviewee and also you as an employee. Having now had university and degree apprenticeship interviews I still use some of the skills to remain confident in interviews now.

Take care in answering your original questions, try to make it as personal and passionate as possible (include what makes you love engineering with a specific project that's happening right now that interests you). And the tests that you have to do are never as important as you might think.