Toolmaker Apprentice Review

My role at MINI plant swindon is a toolmaker apprentice. My apprenticeship is training myself to become a toolmaker. This involves maintenance of the die presses used in the pressshop to produce the panels for the mini (Cooper, cooper s and clubman). The toolamker role will involve essentially maintaning the die to a standard that it suitable to go back to the press shop. In most cases the die will go through a series of checks. a toolmaker is also expected to identify and fix any issues/damage with the tool. After this, the die will then be tested and finally be ready to go back to the press shop

I have learn't many new skills regarding the toolmaking apprenticeship. I have been taught to be multi skilled in the toolroom allowing me to carry out the job correctly. I have learn't to use power tools in the correct and safe manor as well as welding and other skills needed in the toolroom

I very much enjoy my apprenticeship at BMW group. My apprenticeship challenges me both in work and at college, pushing me to attempt new things and keep up with college work. I enjoy this because it pushes me out of my comfort zone allowing me to develop as a person and become the best employee i can.

My college program was not as well structured as first due to the colleges own issues. The majority of the lecturers however are friendly, very helpful and expirenced in their specfic fields which helps me to get good knowledge and advice in the subject. The work program is extremely well structured. The work program in the toolroom keeps me busy and doing new jobs often which keeps me interested. The jobs in the toolroom vary from working on large tools to odd jobs that are not always as enjoyable as bigger jobs but can still benefit for expirence

I receive a great amount of support from both my college lectures and employers at BMW group. I can trust my employer and inform them on when i am struggling with certain aspects of the job e.g. timekeeping. My employer is always able to help and has helped me to keep on track and ensure i am completing work to the best standard.

i recieve a great amount of support form my training provider when working towards my qualifcations. My employer helps to push me and keep me on track with work. Even when i am behind on work in my qualification, my employer will work with me to get me back on track.

Out of the qualifications i am currently undergoing, EAL level 3 engineering does not necessarily help me specifically with toolmaking in Plant Swindon, however it does gives me general knowledge i can use as well as multiple skills that i will have that would be recognised if i chose to go for another engieering Career in the future. My NVQ is tailored to toolmaking is is very much work based helping my understanding in the workplace.

I am preparing for my second year of the BMW mountain challenge. This is a hike where teams across BMW group in the uk compete to collect the points in the area win the challenge. The mountain challenge is a challenging but fun and rewarding to complete with friends from the workplace.

Yes

In temrs of engineering apprenticeships, i truly believe this is one of the best. To work for a bigger company means the structure of the apprenticeship is done very well, the work expirence is very in depth and interesting. The qualifications are also good qualifications to take away that would be a help to any engineering job in the future.

Confidence is key when it comes to meeting the employers, showing interest by asking questions will also look very good. Good presentation is crucial for applying to BMW to show the employers that you are seroius about working for BMW. Leadership can be a good quality but working well as a team is the most important. Being able to show you can work well in a team, even when you may not get along with everyone will hugely help in the workplace and gives a very good appearance for the employer.