Maintenance Tecnitian Apprentice Review

Monday is BTEC day. Studying BTEC L3 in manufacturing engineering. Various assignment topics are taught and assignments are completed in work time as much as possible. Tuesday to Friday is usually spent in the workshop. The subjects such electronics, welding, mechatronics, PLC, handfitting and mechanical assembly are tought on a rotation basis. Rotations usually last a month each.

Coming into the apprenticeship from A-Levels meant that the first year of this apprenticeship consists of me generally brushing up skills and knowledge that I have been taught before. There are a few rotations in the workshop that I have not studied before such as programmable logic controllers within which I am developing new skills.

As a first year apprentice I can only speak for the initial year of the apprenticeship. There is far greater freedom in this working environment which is very beneficial for the work that we are doing. The first year layout is fairly similar to school taking into account that we have organised lessons and also take registrations. The programme allows me to work with very advanced technologies such as autonomous robots and manufacturing machines. Being able to have small projects working with these does provide excitement.

The BTEC is very organised ensuring I am aware of what what assignments I have completed, are outstanding or are yet to be set. The teaching is great, there has not yet been an assignment that I have struggled with. The workshop programme is also fairly well structured and organised. Systems are put in place to drastically reduce any work going missing. Some apprentices did not have enough time to complete their work in few rotations, however time/ support was put asside to ensure they caught up.

Any issues that arrise usually are reported/ resolved by the BMET college tutors. For work matters, the BMW office is in our building meaning we can speak to out employers most of the time. I have found it difficult to arrange meetings with my employer in the past which has not been ideal. Due to not finding the course challenging enough I have made my employer aware that I am keen in further development and have been told that opportunities will come further in the apprenticeship.

Training providers are usually always at hand to provide support when required. It can be difficult to get one on one time with some of the tutors. There are extra BTEC sessions put in place after work for students that struggle in assignments. This currently is available twice a week. All work is structured to take place during working time however there will be times when you will need to take some work home to complete.

The qualification is definately relevant to the job role that I aim to have by the end of the apprenticeship. Academic and hands on skills are learnt that will all be used in the future role. All assignments are tailored to represent calculations/ problems relevent to our industry of the automotive industry.

There have been a few activities that have been offered by the company in order to raise oney for charity such as the twin peaks challenge. A carnival car project also occured where mini was converted to a carnival car for show to a local carnival in the city of Oxford.

Yes

BMW group is a large company that can offer vast opportunities. This apprenticeship is a step into this company which can lead very far. Once the apprenticeship is over there is not really a limit to where an individual can develop toif they have the correct attitude, determination and f the company will benefit.

BMW is very keen on work experience so definately book as many times as you can. It will give you a better understanding of what the company is like and will also let the company take a look at you. I take a lot of the work experience guys and always get asked which ones stand out!