Apprentice Review

My role on a day to day basis consists of attending James Watt College five days a week. I am studying multiple subjects such as mechanical maintenance, pneumatics and hydraulics, maths, bench work etc. I am training to become an maintenance technician at BMW Hams Hall and by attending James Watt College it is helping me to improve my knowledge and practical skills.

I have learnt many new skills from attending college such as how to operate a milling machine and carry out different cutting techniques to produce a final product. Another skill I have learnt is how to use different hand crafting tools such as using different files to achieve certain tolerances and smooth surface finishes, how to cut metal accurately with a hacksaw and how different measuring equipment to ensure I stay to the correct tolerances.

I am enjoying the program greatly as I have been able to gain new skills and qualifications while also earning a good wage. I have enjoyed developing skills I have already had to a better standard such as my soldering skills, I have learnt many new techniques on how to develop my solder skills to a high standard. The most enjoyable part of the programme is all of the practical skills and knowledge you gain as I feel that I learn better through a hands on approach to learning.

I feel that the programme is structured well to a certain extent. The practical side is structured very well and I have never had any problems with this. One problem I have had is with the theory side, I feel that due to lack of communication some lessons have been structured poorly and some of the work could be put into one lesson but it is stretched out over numerous lessons which I feel isn't needed, but other than this the rest of the programme is structured well.

I have received a great amount of support from my employer through the whole process so far. As a result from asking for help and support from my employer and also my tutor I have recently been diagnosed with dyslexia after completing the relevant tests and I have immense amount of support techniques put in place to help me with my learning at college.

I have received a great amount of support from my training provider as I have recently stated I have been diagnosed with dyslexia. I have been approached by my training provider and been asked if there is anything they could do to help me improve my learning while at college.

The qualification will help me to ensure that I am ready to work in a busy engineering environment as I have learnt in depth about the health and safety that is involved while at the plan and also the relevant skills/knowledge to ensure I work safely and perform to the best of my ability while shadowing my peers.

As I am a first year apprentice I am based at the college full time so I am unaware of any social activities, sports teams or professional networking events. Although I am aware that there are extra courses at the college that I can take part in, an example of this would be I can apply to do a welding course and gain another qualification by doing so.

Yes

I believe that BMW is an amazing company to work for as there are multiple benefits such as a competitive wage, company cars, good pension schemes, numerous opportunities to be able to progress within the company and gain new skills and qualifications. Due to the company forever expanding and adapting to the world there are always new goals and opportunities to achieve excellence in and this will push you to achieve your goals and set new ones.

My advice would be to ensure you are ready to work hard and aspire to achieve the best grade you can as BMW will push you to set your goals high. Also, research the company so you have a good understanding on their prospects and goals, this will help you understand what the company expects from you and what you should be willing to do for the company to help them hit their goals as well as our own goals.