Engineering Technician Review

On a day to day basis, I get to go to the planned lectures. Of which consists of turning, milling, electronics, hand fitting, hydraulics/pneumatics, maintenance of mechanical assemblies and welding. For each lecture various projects are taken on to improve my skills in all of the above subjects. One day a week is take for level 3 theory, of which I complete assignments for the appropriate subject (health and safety, mathematics, electronic principles, mechanical principle, mechanical measurement and engineering drawings.

I have learned many new skills. Before I started the apprenticeship, I had little to no experience in the various subjects. I had only little knowledge of the various subjects. The lecturers brought everyone form basic knowledge to full understanding. This was reinforced by the practical skills we have developed by completing multiple projects for each subject.

I really enjoy the projects we complete for the various subjects, in particularly the machining units and welding. Learning how to use the machines competently and confidently is really enjoyable, working through the various projects which test your skills you have learned. I enjoy all practical’s including hydraulics, pneumatic and electronics. All of which test different skills, such as accuracy, logic, and initiative.

The programme is organised in terms of the work you must complete in order to completely reference a unit (level 2) and or complete assignment tests for level 3 units is organised. However, it is easy to get lost in your work load and schedule. This is because you have to hand in a lot of work while completing other work. The lecturers can take a while to mark your work due to lack I their organisation. It is also down to yourself to ensure that you cover all the criteria for a unit across all your practical reports. Overall, you will get your work marked eventually, and once you get in to the swing of referencing, you will be able complete the course stress free.

There is endless support from the BMW group employers. This is because initially you go on a residential trip with all the BMW group apprentices in the UK. Form this, you can build a network of friends and colleagues. If you have a problem or question with in the course, you can resolve it with the college or the BMW group employer. There are many people within the business who do not mind helping the apprentices.

It is easy to ask for help in Swindon College, as long as you ask at an appropriate time. For example, if you do not fully understand some theory of electronic principles, you could wait behind for 10 mins to go back over the teaching. However, there is a lot of work and it is important to not fall behind. It is always worth putting extra time outside of work into reinforcing your knowledge. You can also improve your work from the training providers form the feedback you get back after completing practical reports, as well as feedback during the project.

The level two qualification helps extremely for when you go into the industry. As you will understand what is going on around you and be able to recognise what you have learned in college, at work. You will also be able to recognise and speak the language of the work place because of the base experience you have learned at college.

There is a residential trip which all apprentices go on in the first two weeks of employment at skarn lodge. This trip is all about team building and bonding together with the group of apprentices who are successful when applying for the apprenticeship. Towards the end of the 1st year is a mountain challenge of which all apprentices are invited to attend. During your time as an apprentice you get to go around the Swindon plant, Oxford plant and the Rolls Royce plant in Goodwood.

Yes

The apprenticeship gives you so many fantastic opportunities. Such as all the trips you get to go on, for example the trips around the various plants around the country. There are talks about doing international exchanges throughout your time as an apprentice. The opportunities once in the business, are endless.

I would recommend that you keep on top of your work at all times, otherwise you will easily become overwhelmed by the work load and lose all your free time. Work is expected to be handed in on time, you may find yourself having to self-motivate yourself and keep yourself on target as you may not be pushed to stay up to date. However this a skill you are developing yourself. There is a lot of work, the sooner you get it all completed and referenced, the more comfortable you will feel.