Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
- 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
- 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
- 9a. Would you recommend BMW Group to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group?
I am a mature tool maker apprentice for BMW group. I am currently studying fulltime at Swindon College for the first year of my apprenticeship in which I am progressing through the whole of a foundation level 2 EAL qualification in engineering and also Level 3 EAL qualification in advanced engineering.
Before applying for an apprenticeship I was a lead associate (Team Leader) on production cells which produced sub-assemblies. Over the many years in this role I had picked up valuable information and skills which have helped me complete some of the units required in the course. I have learnt so much this year. Using a lathe and a mill, Electrical wiring and circuitry, computer programming a PLC system, and learning how to draw by hand and using computer aided design to name a few.
Before starting the apprenticeship I was very apprehensive and nervous about what was to come over the coming year. Being a mature apprentice I have a vast work based experience, after being with the company for the last 25 years, but had been outside a learning environment for a very long time. To so I am loving it is an understatement. My fellow apprentices have made me feel very welcome and we have had the best time this year. Don’t get me wrong it is a lot of work but as long as you make a plan and stick to it, there are times within the first year you can relax a bit. We all go out socially and enjoy each other’s company. As a complete surprise to me this year I have the honour of being the toolmaker apprentice of the year.
We attend college full time and when there are holidays we either take the time off or return to our plant to carry on working on the work set out by college. The workload is very high and demanding and you are required to carrying on working when you get home. Lecturers are all very approachable and we have a tutor who runs our course. We have a weekly meeting with our manager every Thursday morning where we can voice any concerns and also receive feedback of what is happening in the workplace. Overall the programme is structured well.
As mentioned in the previous question we have a weekly meeting every Thursday with our manager from work. Anything we require or have issues with is resolved quickly. If we require any additional information on processes or health and safety these are brought to this meeting. When we are back in work during college holidays, we are looked after well and receive all the support we require. As we work for BMW group we are required to wear a work uniform which makes us stand out from the usual students when at college.
The lecturers and tutor are very approachable. We all know we can talk to them and ask advice whenever we require it. Lessons are relaxed and can walk in and out as required. A trip to the photo copier for example is often required when in a class. Teaching lessons are structured for you to take the necessary notes, and a recap at the end of each lesson is also good. If any information is missed they are very happy to go back over anything after class.
As I stated in previous questions I am a mature apprentice and had a production based work life before starting the apprenticeship. The amount I have learnt and experienced this year is amazing. I am looking back in to the work environment and putting my new found skills into practice. Being paid to re-train and learn new skills is also a bonus.
The group of apprentices I am training with all get on really well. We all go out socially for drinks and meals. Before starting college we all had a week at an outwards bounds course, which brought us all together as a team. Staying in lodges with all the team in one room. We have a mountain challenge event planned in for July, which is a 3 day event staying overnight in tents. Both of these events were organised by BMW and I thoroughly enjoyed the outward bound course.
Yes
BMW group is a great employer. They look after their employees very well. From a general shop floor associate to the managing director, nobody is discriminated and everyone is treated equally. A big bonus is that you are eligible for a company car after 24 hours work. So a brand new Mini or BMW sat on your drive looks great. My fellow apprentices are very happy, being so young with a new car every nine months.
The application for a place as an apprenticeship with BMW group is very demanding. Completing an on line test in Maths, English and Mechanical knowledge teases the brain. Taking your time and not worrying about the time limit set is always good advice. This is followed up with an assessment day and interview. Being relaxed and positive will ensure you progress through this day. The assessors are looking for leadership skills as well as engineering skills.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Swindon, Wiltshire
May 2019