Motor Finance Specialist Apprentice Review

My day to day role at Summit One, BMW Financial Services consists of pulling out and analysing both daily and monthly reports as well as processing loans where a dealer has hit their credit line limit. On top of these daily tasks, I am also responsible for obtaining, analysing and up keeping accounting information, keeping dealer information under review and creating a spreadsheet to help BMW FS oversee their retail partners financial position throughout the year and not just before their annual credit review is due. Lastly, I am fortunate enough to visit some dealerships for my job role, with the regional managers, which has helped me understand how the sales side and back office of a dealership functions.

Since starting this apprenticeship I have significantly improved my excel knowledge and skills. My job role forces me to work closely with spreadsheets and with this I have learnt how to do both h & v looks up, pivot tables and gain an understanding of how a formula functions. This role has given me the opportunity to play around and create complex formulas which I have learnt through research on the internet. Both the apprenticeship and my job has improved my research skills as to how to find the information in a more time effective matter. Lastly, my job has improved my written communication when using email and it has taught me how to correctly formulate an email to get the desired response in a short manner.

I really enjoy the layout of this programme and what it has to offer. Both my team and the company as a whole has integrated me into its culture very smoothly and were very welcoming. BMW FS has many opportunities to get involved in team activities and make new network connections ranging from coffee mornings to table tennis tournaments which means there is never a dull moment on site. Within the apprenticeship we are able to have the opportunity to have overviews with different departments. This allows us to expand our knowledge of the organisation as a whole rather than specialising in our own department.

The layout of this programme is thought out very well however, as it is the first time it is being implemented, there have been a few bumps. At the start, a lack of communication between the external apprenticeship company and BMW FS meant it was sometimes difficult as an apprentice to understand what was required of us. However, after a few months it became easier to understand and fill full the requirements of the apprenticeship. Each month we have a visit from the external company with our mentor who helps us with any questions and tracks our progress throughout the course.

As an employer BMW FS are extremely good at answering any questions we have and if they do not know the answer they will point us in the correct direction. The support from the managers is phenomenal, as personally I have a meeting with my manager each week to discuss the upcoming modules and how I should best tackle them. Lastly, the managers will always ensure we get our 20% 'off the job training' which we are entitled to each week to complete our apprenticeship coursework.

As a training provider Calibre provide support in the form of each apprentice having a mentor. The mentor will come into the campus monthly and check over the work we have completed as well as answering any questions we may have. The mentors are always accessible either via Aptem, email or text 24/7 and will always answer our questions to the best of their abilities. Lastly, the mentors and head mentor will have a quarterly review with each manager and will update them on how their apprentice is getting on as well as providing an Action Plan to help for the next three months.

The apprenticeship is mainly customer facing whereas, in my role, I am completely dealer facing. Although the apprenticeship is widening my understanding and knowledge as a whole, it feels like the majority of the units so far do not directly affect my departmental role. However, the modules where it covers all legislations and SAF were very useful to the nature of my role due to me handling a lot of confidential and sensitive information.

In work there are some sporting activities such as a tennis table tournament, football tournament and also a hiking challenge. In each of the three buildings there is a dart board and table tennis table located in the break out areas to allow colleagues to destress and relax on their breaks. For the non-sports lovers BMW FS also hold social groups such as the PRIDE and GNEX which all meet on a monthly basis to try and get people to network.

Yes

There are multiple departments and they provide the opportunity to move around and experience different departments if you would like to on a secondment. The company as a whole is very welcoming and the employees are extremely kind. When you join BMW FS you immediately feel like you are valued and become part of the large community.

When applying to BMW Group I would suggest researching what the brand is about and what their strategic plan is. The company like to see innovative people who can bring new ideas to the business so do not be afraid to voice your opinions. When applying ensure you express your passion for the role because with a high drive to succeed comes the best ideas.