apprentice maintenance engineer Review

As a first year apprentice, my time is spent completing a level 3 BTEC. Classroom work is condensed to a Monday, whilst the rest of the week is spent in the workshop doing practical tasks. The workshop practicals include various forms of electronics, machining, welding, fluid power, robotics and more.

Having already completed a level 3 BTEC at college, an apprentice at BMW Group has further expanded my knowledge. The practical tasks are much more in-depth than what I expected and I am consistently challenged to learn new skills such as welding, electronics (both mains electrical and PCB’s), PLC programming, machining and pneumatics as well as hydraulics.

I enjoy my programme thoroughly, it is one place where I look forward to learning new things day to day. Though some days can be tiring I generally enjoy each teaching rotation. The tutors are knowledgeable and capable of teaching the course as well as helping you through learning curves.

The tutors are experienced and understand the time requirements to learn different aspects of the course. Plenty of time is provided to both learn and complete tasks set no matter your capability. If for some reason you are not able to complete your assessments during your rotation, time will be provided elsewhere for you to complete the task.

BMW group supports us though we are largely overseen by BMET, our training provider. They review our progress and provide us with additional time or tutoring for assignments when needed. More often than not we find that we don’t need support from BMW, though it is provided quickly when needed.

BMET provides us with plenty of support. They are consistently willing to help students through the course and understand that everyone learns at different rates and in different ways. When students fall behind it is always their own fault yet BMET will still help them catch up with the group.

The structure of our course is obviously designed to help us and give us a general idea of what we’re doing before we go out on site in our second year. Our training sometimes seems unnecessary though the diversity of our job role and the expectations we have upon us for the next 4 years justifies this.

Though these extra-curricular activities are under advertised, there are some. More recently there has been an attempt at challenging local schools at charity football. There is also a tem constructed to do a mountain challenge, and in the future there will be a chance to make a float for Cowley carnival. There are also opportunities to go out to local schools and careers events to advertise the apprenticeship to younger generations.

Yes

BMW group provides a great opportunity to earn money whilst working towards a qualification and the possibility of getting a well-paid job at the end. As an alternative to college or perhaps university, the course is a great choice for anyone interested in this form of engineering. BMW Group also provides other courses for those interested in different career paths.

They are looking for those who are willing to work and are passionate about the job. Current qualifications are less of a concern since you will be taught to their standards anyway as long as you meet their application requirements. If you portray willingness to learn and some knowledge of BMW group then you’ll be preferable.