Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

My role as an apprentice is to gain experience in the various quality deparments at plant oxford. This cycles through different departments eevery three months so the nature of work I do changes. I have spent time in Accoustics where my role was to support the analysis of sound quality in pre-series and current vehicles while recomending solutions to any issues as well as design a new rigging solution for the microphones. I have also spent time with process specialists in Assembly, where my role was to improve the quality of production by introducing "right first time" (poke yoke) mechanisms. Aside from the onsite work, my role is also to comple the degree to the best of my ability.

During the course of the apprenticeship, my core skills have improved through experience in the work environment. These skills include communication (especially important when dealing with overseas employees), the ability to work with others as a team, the ability to solve problems, IT and systems use, and statistical analysis. Other skills I have gained include self management, group management, and hands on skills, such as machining and building. In terms of qulifications, we have recieved such for workshop skills and are working towards a degree in engineering. Futhermore, we have also recieved training in handleing of electric vehicles, basic driver training and fire safety among others.

There are a number of different aspects to the apprenticeship, some more enjoyable than others. In terms of placement work, most placements are both interesting and enjoyable, however there have been one or two that dont meet that expectation. To counter this, if a department is not giving sufficient / the right kind of work, then you can be moved on request. Due to miscommunication and some disorganisation between the various educational bodies, the degree side of the work can feel arduous at times. Otherwise, the company culture and attitudes of the teams are generally very supportive and invested in our development.

From BMW's side, the organisation and structure of the course has improved over the past couple of years. When I first started, the placement plan wasn't up to date and communication from our managing department was slow and unreliable. Now however, we mostly know in advance what department we are going to next and we have regular, planned meeting with our manager. Furthermore, the support system extends past our direct managers, to the people/manager in the current placements and to those in our final departments.

I have always felt like I have had the full support I need from BMW. Our Direct managers are always there if we have an issue as well as the representative from our course provider. Every three months we have one on ones and part of that process is making sure we are keeping up with our work or if we need help getting back on track. They also check if there is anything coming up outside of work that may affect our performance. They also ensure that we are treated as we should be in the work environment.

Support from the training provider varies. There is currently a lot of issues outside normal control occuring (e.g. changes in the course structure and changes in staff) that have affected the consistency of our learning. while the training provider is trying to resolve these issues (which would benefit us eventually) their attention is drawn away from our individual support.

Doing the degree whilst working full time in departements on day release (as opposed to block release) has meant that we've had to manage our time effectively to balance the workload. This has in turn given me experience that can be transffered to our placement work when coping with large projects. Furthermore the knowlege gained from the degree has provided understanding of the theory behind how much of our analysis software works.

Some placements run social and team bonding activities two or three times a year which, if invited, we have the opportunity to go on. In terms of proffesional networking, some you may be invited by a placement to attend a supplier convention but this is rare. The company runs "mountain challenge", an orientering event every year which teams can enter into on a first come first serve basis which anyone can take part in. In terms of exclusive apprentice activities, we have recently started taking part in the Cowley Carnival and build a float for it with the help of artists, and when we first start the apprenticeship, we went to skern lodge for a team bonding weekend. My only issue is that since the original trip, there hasn't been much opportunity for an exclusive apprentice social / team bonding activity.

Yes

An apprenticeship offers good prospects to those who are willing to put in the work to achieve it, especially one that offers higher level qualifications and decent work experience. Futhermore, the level of support from other employees to complete it is high. It is also, for the most part an enjoyable and motivational experience. I would also say that apprentices tend to do better than graduates initially when starting final jobs due to the higher level of maturity that comes from work experience.

Be motivated! Degree apprenticeships aren't as easy as just going to university but they are worth it in the long run. The managers prefer apprentices who go out of their way to find work when they have none than those who sit around waiting for work to be given to them. They will therefore be more likely to remember you which is important when trying to build a network of contacts.