Apprentice Maintenace Technician Review

I am a mature apprentice and have worked for BMW for over 20 years. I started an engineering apprenticeship in 2016 and after the first year of full-time college I went back to my employers to work in different placements in the manufacturing plant as an apprentice maintenance technician. My role on a day-to-day basis is to ensure the manufacturing assets and equipment run as efficiently as possible through maintaining said assets and equipment so as to avoid production downtime. I employ the techniques that I have learnt through college to fault find effectively and use practical skills learnt to resolve the faults.

During the apprenticeship I have learnt many new skills from practical skills such as; hand fitting, turning, milling, fitting electrical and fluid power circuits, electronics (including PLC programming) and welding. I have also learnt the theories and principles behind these skills to ensure that I have a knowledge of how to do these tasks and why? I have learnt fault finding techniques that are essential in the field in which I work. I have also developed and enhanced existing previous skills in subjects such as; health & safety, communicating effectively and business improvement techniques.

As a mature apprentice (having to juggle work and family responsibilities) the apprenticeship has (at times) been very hard work but it has also been massively rewarding. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am delighted with the plethora of knowledge that I have attained. I am truly grateful for the opportunity BMW has given me to upskill and greater enhance my career possibilities.

The organisation and structure of the apprentice programme is good. I was well informed of what would happen in each year of the apprenticeship and what my employer’s expectations of me were. In the first year of the apprenticeship the lesson timetable from the college was transparent and rarely deviated from (as were the assignment briefs and deadlines). Work placements are well organised and always improving.

My employer has been exceptional in supporting me through the apprenticeship. Firstly from giving me the opportunity to upskill as I am a mature apprentice, but from then on understanding the apprenticeship requirements and assisting in helping me find relevant activities to meet those requirements. My employer is supportive in helping me with any issues that have arisen whether they are work related or personal.

My training provider has been fantastically supportive of me through the apprenticeship. They have ensured that classrooms are a good learning environment (this has been especially important as being a mature apprentice I have been out of education for some time). The training provider supported me with extra tutoring to refresh my skills in maths (in preparation and during the qualification). I have been able to express any concerns, personal issues and improvement ideas to the training provider with fantastic support.

The qualifications I have attained during the apprenticeship have given me an extensive skill set for the activities undertaken in my role. I feel confident of performing my role efficiently and to a very high level. The qualifications I have achieved show a level competency and knowledge that will help me with new and better career opportunities within my company.

Every year my employer (BMW) enters an apprentice team into an annual mountain challenge. This is a great team building exercise where we compete against other apprentice teams and teams from other industries. During my time as an apprentice I have represented BMW at school apprentice events, where I have spoken to students about the benefits of the apprenticeship. I have also been involved in schools events where we have shown students how to run an efficient manufacturing line through interactive games. I have also been an assessor for local school engineering projects, which was very rewarding. All of these activities have helped me with my communication and interaction skills which can transferred to my workplace.

Yes

BMW is a fantastic company to work for. I have worked for BMW for over 20 years and in this time I have been lucky enough to have had excellent job security (as BMW has thrived in industry). BMW is a forward thinking company that is always looking into new technologies and how they can upskill employees to keep up with these progressions. I myself am evidence of BMW’s commitment to invest in training not only from outside the company but also from within. The apprenticeship offered by BMW is very comprehensive and by no means easy but the benefits are fantastic, from gaining a wealth of qualifications to an extremely bright future in the company for those who are keen and willing to work for it.

When applying for BMW I would advise that you present yourself well and are punctual for (the start of) and eloquent during interviews. A prior knowledge of engineering subjects such as engineering mathematics, mechanical principles and electrical/electronic principles would be great but not essential (as these subjects will be taught). Attaining work experience in engineering fields would be of a benefit but again not essential. When applying for BMW, the applications must be accurate, i.e. every question/section of the application must be satisfied with an answer (this includes all and any references requested etc). Good luck.