Logistics Apprentice Review

Being a logistics apprentice, I gain on-the-job experience by spending 3-4 months in different departments within logistics, and other business (office) functions. I am given projects to work on, and learn about the roles of each person within the department. This gives me an understanding of how the departments work together.

One key skill I have developed is confidence - by working in a professional environment, I feel I have developed. The other employees are very supportive, and by working on independent projects, I am more comfortable. I have also developed my communication skills - presentations and team working help subconsciously improve the way in which you interact with other people.

Before starting, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. However, the majority of colleagues were very welcoming and helped make me comfortable. Being in placements, I experience some which I enjoy more than others. One of the placements I have been in is more repetitive and a clerical-type role, whilst the other was project-based which was enjoyable because I was doing something different most days. Overall, the programme is well strucutred, and my placement manager (who is there for you for the whole of the apprenticeship) is really helpful and encouraging, as he would allow you to say what you liked and what you didn't like, which can help tailor future placements.

For the duration of the apprenticeship, you are given a placement manager who works in the area of the business you are entering. They are very useful and supportive, and from the start, my manager had prepared and planned the programme (subject to change of course). It allowed me to see where I would be at certain times, and therefore where I could network to help me prepare.

We are given day-release each week for the university side of the course. The company provided us with laptops and storage devices, as well as stationery as necessary. We have regular meetings with our work managers and representatives from the college to ensure everything is ok, and to identify any potential areas of improvement. One possible improvement would be being given a small amount of time during the week to focus on assignments - especially around the time in which they are due - however this can be difficult as we are busy with daily tasks at work.

The training provider is generally supportive. Lessons are normally well-planned, and are available on the student webpage to recap at home. Tutors are mostly willing to stay behind and explain things, and generally reply to emails well. The apprentice liason officer is supportive, and provides a good link between work and college. However, feedback on assignments isn't great - it is often vague and doesn't normally help us improve in future assignments. Furthermore, sometimes there is a lack of passion when deliverying lectures from the tutors.

The training provider tailors assignments to apprenticeships. They often involve carrying out research, or linking in what we do at work to the theory they teach us. It is often interesting returning to work having learnt theory, and seeing how this is put into practice. The training is quite management-oriented, therefore preparing us for potential promotions to management level in the future (fingers crossed!).

Within the logistics department, there is a social committee that organises a social event (such as bowling, quiz, treasure hunt etc.) approximately every 3 months which helps with team bonding. As far as I am aware, there are no official sports teams, however various colleagues attend local sports clubs together. It would be nice if this were arranged through work, however.

Yes

The company as a whole is very good - there are many benefits, not least the car scheme! The associates are very kind and helpful, meaning it is never stressful or daunting. When telling others where you work, you can be proud as it is a well-recognised, reputatable company, which doesn't disappoint when you join! There are various apprenticeships/job roles so whatever you might be looking for, there's probably a position which would suit you. I've also been told (and shown) how progressing within the company is possible, which is important for younger people hoping to make a successful career with the company, not just within the UK but all over the world, as BMW is a truly multinational company.

Product knowledge is key, and something which Associates pride themselves on. Having some strong background knowledge about the company - both present and past - shows you are passionate about joining the company. Furthermore, being well rounded is important, as it shows you have various strings to your bow, and that you are adaptable which is vital when working within a fast moving industry.