Maintenance Technition Review

My role as a maintenance engineer is to essentially keep production running as best as possible. We have day to day breakdowns on different machinery and systems which often requires maintnence work in order to eliminate. This varies from mechanical, electrical and software based maintenance depending on the issue encountered. Preventitive maintenance also plays a large role in maintaining the systems.

I have learnt many new skills during the apprentiship. Before joining I had very little hands on experience within an engineering environment. I have learnt many things from machining different parts by hand, using a lathe, and milling machines. I have also learnt a lot more about software systems and other systems such as the PLC programs used to control the production line. A long with a more in depth understanding of different electrical aspects.

I enjoy the apprenticeship program a lot, I feel that it is very fulfilling to learn new things every day in an area that you are interested in. The people that train me and work along side me have all been very welcoming and helpful. I have definitely made some good friends during my first two years.

The structure of the program is very good. We have one day per week where we go to the college to learn and study and then 4 days at the plant. A placement plan was given to us as we began our second year, identifying all the different areas that you would be visiting during the apprenticeship. This gives you a good timeline to work from and allows you to see many different aspects of the production and the business.

There is support everywhere within this apprenticeship whether at work or college. If I ever felt that I was struggling with something or needed clarification of a certain topic I would certainly be able to access it with ease. Everyone is keen to help with the apprentices here and this makes you feel welcome to approach different people to find the correct support.

The college on a whole is a good place to go and learn. The teachers are keen to push you to acheive the best of your ability and are always there if you get stuck. All training I have recieved has been carried out well and backed up by the support offered if ever you struggled with a certain topic.

All of the topics covered within the training are relevant to the job role you are aiming towards. For me, a good mix of mechanical, electrical and programming is nessesary for the job. I feel that I have covered a good level of this in college so far and there is still two years of the apprenticeship left to develop on this.

There are many opportunities for such activities to get involved in. I personally enjoy my sport and have play football with collegues on multiple times, often during charity fundraisers. Also I have joined a BMW corporate golf scheme with some collegues from a past placement. This allows us to play golf at a local club together for a heavily discounted rate.

Yes

I feel it is a very good and inviting place to work. Everyone here helps you find your best self and pushes you to achieve highly. The training I have received has been very informative and helped develop my knowledge and skills. Also the respect you recieve as an apprentice is brilliant.

Be confident if your ability to learn and develop. Always ensure that you push yourself to achieve all goals set infront of you and dont be disheartened if something doesn't quite go as you expected. Make sure to gain knowledge and experience at every possiblilty by getting involved and asking questions.