Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

My role as an Engineering Technician Apprentice is to complete my 3 month placements in different departments across the Plant. During these placements I support the team with projects and their day to day tasks whilst also shadowing the team members to gain an understanding of what the department does as a whole.

I have learnt many new skills both technical and for my own personal development. I learn technical skills in every department I visit. Completing these placements also allows me to develop my team building, time management, presentation skills and many more. Additionally, as I complete placements I also build a network of contacts throughout the Plant.

As with everything, there are ups and downs to the apprenticeship. Sometimes departments may be going through a quiet period where there will not be much work to get on with however, overall the placements are very enjoyable and a lot is learnt in the departments. When it is quiet there are oppurtunities to get on with University work.

The programme is well structured and each year of the apprenticeship is well organised. The first year consists of workshop training in the dedicated training school on site followed by 2 years of 3 month placements and a final year of learning the job for your home department. The placement plan is well planned and related to my home department.

Our line manager from the training school is very supportive and helpful. We can raise any concerns without any problems. The manager will always get a response to our issues and chase topics up for us. The department managers from the placements are generally all supportive and help us when needed.

The tutors from the training school are very supportive with our college work. The lecturers from the university are also helpful and are approachable when needed. The placement managers are also supportive and allow us to take time out of the placement to complete University work if we need to.

Some of the modules we complete at university help me perform better in my role as they allow me to have a deeper understanding of the theory behind certain systems of the vehicles. Generally I do not think that most of the things learnt at university are relevant to my role.

There are not too many activities to get involved in. However, there are a few things to participate in such as career events at schools, mountain challenges and a few other charity based events every now and again. There is also a race team that apprentices can be involved in.

Yes

Overall BMW is an excellent employer to work for for numerous reasons. It is a massive international organisation with Plants across the globe. The apprenticeship programme is well organised and is a great oppurtunity to study for a degree whilst also learning valuable industry experience from one of the leading automotive companies in the world.

Don't be intimidated by the name. If you have the requirements apply and be yourself. The application process is quite simple. After the initial application there are some SHL questions followed by an assessment center if successful. The assessment center includes an interview with some of the managers who are also friendly.