Control Engineer Review

I am currently studying a foundation course in Manufacturing Engineering. I attend a college in Birmingham to study full time. I have completed several extra training courses on site and with external training providers. I complete assignment work on a daily basis towards my qualification at the end of the academic year.

Through the PEO element of my course I have developed new skills for practical engineering including welding, hand fitting, milling, turning, electrical fitting, electrical maintenance, mechanical maintenance and fluid power. We have covered all aspects from design and health and safety through to planning assembly and different fault finding techniques.

I enjoy the company based side of the programme. Getting relevant experience in the factory and throughout multiple business areas on site. The training from senior members of staff has been valuable as we are able to draw upon there knowledge to create an understanding and think of new ideas and concepts.

The apprenticeship programme is well organised by the company. The training is structured, balanced and well varied. The training organisation from the college is very poor and lacks content in the course for higher achievers. The day to day organisation is poor and there is a lack of communication between lecturers and teachers.

We receive a good amount of support from the company. We have been introduced to several senior members of staff who have offered open help and support throughout our time at the company via email which is in our directory. We have periodic meetings with our line and training managers to access our progress.

The support received greatly varies between lecturers and tutors. Some are very willing to support and aid further learning and some are more reluctant. The level of input changes between subjects depending on the tutor or lecturer. More senior apprentices are more than helpful providing advice and support from their experiences.

I have not yet started in my role due to the nature of the full time training course. However the training I have received so far I feel will be valuable in helping to gain a basic understanding of my future job role. I will be able to build upon this knowledge in the factory.

As we have been on release from the factory since the beginning of our contract, we have not yet had the opportunity to complete extra curricular activities with the business. I have however noticed that such activities are available at periodic times throughout the year and that they are open to everyone.

Yes

As an employer, the BMW group treat their apprentices and employees well. There is a wide range of employee benefits along with a subsidised canteen to promote a healthy lifestyle. I have enjoyed working in the BMW Group and have been treated well since starting my job role last year.

BMW Group focus on your aptitude for the job role that you are applying for. Whilst it is important you have the correct qualifications and experience, it is essential that you will be well suited to the job role and able to conduct yourself appropriately in the workplace. This ensures you are capable of the job.