Engineering Technician Review

Engineering Technician in Chassis Analysis. Invovles Analysis of issues, by identifying a Root cause, and subsequently suggesting and/or proving robust solutions. As well as this there is various day to day tasks; for instance collecting data, such as Steering Angle (in terms of a straight line), and Vehicle weights

Throughout apprenticeship I have gained various qualifications, up to BSC(Hons) in Electronic Engineering. As well as academia, I have attended advanced driving courses etc. I have also learnt various skills, such as how to use specialist software within BMW, as well as had a chance to improve skills such as communication, and problem solving

I greatly enjoy the department that I am currently in (Aswell as previous departments throughout). The issue tend to vary, which keeps things interesting. Many departments understood the apprentices were there to learnt, and therefore made the placement intresting, and allowed for me to delvelop various skills. The apprenticeship exceeded expectations, and I have enjoyed the 4 years. I prefered this over Uni, as the hands on aspected greatly improved my understanding of the theory learned throughout the Bsc.

I feel that I have been valued by BMW Group, with this shown in numerous ways. From regualr pay increases, to greater involvement in more complex issues. It has also been recognised internally, via the apprenticeship recognition event.

The induction was very organised and structured, with this haveing no problems. However, many placements were not aware of my arrival, and therefore supprised about getting an apprentice. Therefore the intitial week or two of each palcement was fairly unstructured. However when I informed placements of my arrival, whilst still a supprise, they were able to create a well structured placement The university courses and training, was set up adequatley, and had no problems with enrolling, and undertaking these courses. This applied to all other training courses that I was sent on. There was always support available, whether this was from the training advisors, or from the the Line/Host Managers. Tasks were always set to ensure that the apprenticeship could learn something out from then, and very few placements delegated the "Unwanted" tasks to the apprentice.

There was always support available if needed, and this could be from the training advisors, Line manager or Host manager.

There is a great deal of support from the managers, and training advisors. The HR system is alwasy available to help with pay queries etc. However when it came to switching my apprenticeship to a full time contract, there was few issues, and there was a lack of communication from HR to myself. However in general the attitude to problems is generally positive, with the aim to get them resolved as quickly and robustly as possible

The pay meets the living costs well, and supports the extra distance that I travel to get to work. It suitably covers all the daily/social costs within a month, and leaves some spare.

There have been many opportunities outside of work, whether this bbeing BMWs own Family Day, or via team building events arounf Oxford. Often, we get discounts to various shows, and activities, whether this being a discount to Goodwood festival of speed etc.

Yes

I would recommend an apprenticeship, as it is a way to get a degree, and have valuable pratical experience. It also allows people to gain valauble work skills, with a high chance of a Job at the end of the apprenticeship.

The application processed was to fill in a quick survey/aplitude test online, via Apprenticeship.gov.org. Once contacted, and asked to come in for an interview, expect 1-2 interviews and some aplitude tests. I would recommend applying for it, even if you dont think you would qualify for an apprenticeship; this being due to the fact that they can be quite flexible, and place you on a higher course, if you previously have done and NVQ2-3 or National Certificate.