Logistics Apprentice Review

I am a logistics business apprentice at BMW Plant Oxford. This means I go round the different logistics departments and spend a couple of months in each area. I will join in with their day to day tasks and get involved with one off project work. Within logistics I interact with all internal employees and suppliers externally. At the beginning of a placement we will plan objectives for me to complete during my time. But mainly doing similar tasks as my colleagues so i get a feel for what the job is like in each department. And then helping with specific project work, which I might run with or lead.

During my apprenticeship I have completed an NVQ in business management and a foundation degree in business management and communication. I am now currently undergoing a top up year for a full BA honours degree in business management and communication. While learning educational skills and qualifications I have also learnt general day to day skills. For example I have become a lot more confident and better at communicating. This is because I am talking to new people every day. Also I have learnt so much about the company and all the different systems and processes needed.

So far I have really enjoyed my time at BMW. I really enjoy the work as it is something different and challenging every day. The teams and people in each area have always been so welcoming and make the job fun and everyday happy. I am really enjoying it so far.

When I am in each department the manager is always very welcoming and i feel the work i do for the department is appreciated. I get involved with as many tasks as possible and am allowed to get involved with lots of different projects.

The job is well structured as there is a placement plan put in place at the beginning however it is up to the placement managers to have my role and jobs sorted. The studying is well structured as we have specific days we spend doing college work. I was given a mentor at the beginning who I have a monthly review with. This is helpful as it means I can talk to them about any concerns I have and any problems.

When i ask for support in something i will recieve it, however only when it is asked for.

I receive some support from my employer however they are not always aware of what i am doing in placements or what placements i am in. I have never really spoken to the HR team and dont get much support from them.

I live in my own home, therefore the salary cost doesn’t meet the needs of my living costs and travel costs. The car scheme is too expensive for me and I can’t afford it. The salary is good for the national apprenticeship wage however for the work I do and the costs at home it is not enough.

There are not that many company events outside of work.

Yes

Even though there are some downsides, it is a good apprenticeship. The company pay for you to get a good education while working on the job. You learn lots of new skills and learn new things everyday. Once you have completed the apprentciship it makes it a lot easier to get a job within the company and hen expand your career.

It is about personalitiy. Make sure you are yourself and have done your research. Show them you really want the job and spend time thinking about the answers you are going to give.