Assembly Apprentice Review

I attend college 4 days a week, and attend work 1 day a week. When I’m at work I am on the assembly line, learning different aspects of the job and also carrying out real work that I have learnt. At College we mainly complete assignments, but have also done practical units such as bench fitting, welding and electronics.

Yes, I have learnt different aspects of engineering during the practical units. I have learnt a lot about the cars we build, and how they go together. I have seen the different tools and fittings used, and I have had a chance to use these myself. I have developed my people skills by meeting a large range of people in many different areas of the company.

I enjoy it a lot, and find it amazing seeing the cars every time I am at work. I like that I am able to learn and see new things each time I work, and can basically learn as much as I am willing to learn, which is a very fortunate situation to be in.

I would say that the structure as a whole could be better. College can be difficult as I feel like we are mainly self teaching. We have completed some practical units, but now we are having to complete assignments, mainly with no help from staff. There is quite often miscommunication between the apprentices, college and work. It is sometimes difficult to be proactive at work, as it can feel like you can only learn if the person you are shadowing is willing to teach you. They are within their rights to just do their jobs, and with the time pressure they are under, they quite often do.

Not too much support. We don’t often hear from anyone at work, and are often confused about who to contact if we need to. There have been times where we have asked questions or permission for certain things, and haven’t received any replies. I’m sure we would have support if we were to go looking for it, and everyone I have come across at work has always been friendly and willing to help.

We get a good amount of support from college. We have one main tutor who supports us as much as he can. There are also other members of staff who support us if we require it. We have recently been allocated a new apprentice coach who seems like she will be very supportive towards everyone. Having said that, most of our time at college is spent in a self study environment, rather than actually learning. Which I have found difficult at times.

I think I have learnt quite a bit since the start of my apprenticeship. I’m not quite sure at the moment, that the learning done at college carries across to the role I have at work. But I think it is making me think in a different way to how I usually would, and it is showing me aspects of engineering that are completely new to me.

I am actually unsure of any events at work. I know that they are displayed on tv screens in the break rooms etc, but there is so little time spent in those rooms that I won’t really read them. Also, I don’t find that there is any spare time I have to actually take part in any of these events, if I wanted to.

Yes

I am excited to be working for BMW Group, as I know that there are many paths and places around the world that it could take me to. As I spend more time in the company I’m sure I will gain more knowledge about the different departments and roles available.

Ask as many questions as you can, and speak to as many people as you can. You will never know if you don’t ask, and more often than not, opportunities arise from you being ‘nosey’ !! Work hard, and I’m sure will be noticed. Other than that, enjoy yourself!