Toolmaker apprentice Review

Here at the BMW Group, my role as a toolmaker in training involves many various activities, such as the maintainence of tools from the press shop, we use many differernt techniques in finding faults and defects of the tools, and making adjustments to the tools, so they are of an exceptional standard before being put back into press lines.

Since this time last year, I have learnt lots of new skills that are used day to day at work, and everyday these skills are developed further. The workplace has taught me so many skills and attributes needed in life for use inside and outside the workplace, making me a better and happier employee.

The experience makes me feel very lucky to be in the position I am currently, I enjoy it thoroughly, and strongly believe it has changed my life in an unbelievable way, and changed, personal mindset towards life in and outside of work. I feel very warmly welcomed into the "real world".

I think the structure to the apprenticeship is very well thought out and executed. There is a good balance between theory work etc and the practical hands on work. I think if there was too much practical and not enough theory, I would not have enough deeper knowledge about the tasks I was completing, visa versa.

Throughout the apprenticeship we are not bombarded with support and help as we need to have a certain ammount of self motivation and drive to complete what ius needed of us, however I always know that I will have more than enough support on my doorstep if I were to need it.

Just like previously mentioned, us apprentices are not bombarded with support and are not hugely pushed as we need to be self driven however as soon as requested there will be as much help as one could possibly need. I think this is a very good balance of support and it shows to have worked very well.

I think that it has given me the basis of knowledge that i needed for joining the workplace full time, although I had lots to learn when first coming into the workplace, I had a good ammount of knowledge to start me off on a good path for the knowledge I would obtain.

Outside of work we engage on the annual BMW mountain challenge, which is a great physical, mental and social experience. Its great to get together with everyone outside of work and have some fun. I also play in a 6 a-side football team with colleagues, this again is great social and team building activity.

Yes

The oppertunities that come with the apprenticeship, esspecially for my age are insane. Doors have opened that i could never imagine, and as a company, BMW take care and treat their employees like no other. There is such good oppertunities to go further and climb through the bussiness to higher roles.

To do well in the apprentceship, you need to be honest and open in the apprenticeship, self driven, and motivated and most importantly resilient. If things dont go your way, keep your head up, and dont give up, many people here today, took two to three years of applying before getting in.