Line Leader Review

Maintenance associate, my role will include carrying out planned maintenance on production machinery and equipment. I will also be required to provide support to any breakdowns that occur to help get the facility back up and running as soon as possible. I would lease with all the different departments in the business to provide support wherever needed. On occasion i would be given projects to carry out

I have completed my level 3 NVQ and my level 3 diploma as part of my advanced engineering apprenticeship, and I am currently working on my EPA porfolio. I learnt many new skills during my first year at college, these included using machines such as mills and lathes as well as learning wiring and soldering skills in electronics. I have also developed a basic understanding of PLC’s and electrical wiring and installation. On top of all the college courses BMW have also provided additional training such as first aid, working at height and robotics programming training.

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship, having already worked for the company for nearly 25 years before starting my apprenticeship I was a little unsure of how I would find college and how well I would cope. My year group has 9 people of varying ages and I have found that the level of support for each other has been outstanding as has the support of both BMW and Swindon College.

The training is provided by Swindon College, I have found that overall the college has organised the program very well, I have finished all my deploma units at college and my NVQ level 3 is also now completed. I am currently working on my EPA and receive excellent support from my assessor. We also have regular meeting with our manager from work and with our training supervisor from college to discuss any issues or problems we may have.

There is a very high level of support at BMW, I have at least twice weekly contact with my training manager and during this difficult lockdown period we are also have an additional weekly meeting with the whole of the training department to keep us up to date with everything thats going both inside and outside of the company. I feel very valued by the company, I have always had a very good working relationship with all my managers and peers over the years. The fact that the company has invested a lot of money in my mature apprenticeship for me to increase my technical knowledge is recognition of my hard work and commitment over the years. I have also been involved in many projects over the years.

At college we have a training supervisor that we have a regular review with to check we are keeping on track of all our college work, she is also our first port of call for any issues at college. The college also provides additional support wherever its needed, for myself this has been some additional maths support that has been arranged which I have found very helpful. For my work based L3 NVQ and my EPA we have regular meeting with our assessor who comes in to work at least once a week, and is also available via phone, email etc when required. Over the last few weeks all support has taken place via phones call, Zoom/Skype meetings etc due to the Covid lockdown, and this has been working very well.

The training I have received has given me a much better understanding of how thing work. As well as the practical skills I have learnt such as machining I have also learnt a lot about electronics and electrical wiring. I have also developed a basic understanding of PLC programs, this is very useful when trying to fault fine problems with complex machines and systems.

When I first joined the apprenticeship program all apprentices were taken away to Skern lodge for a week of team building. Apprentices from all 4 sites, Oxford, Swindon, Hams Hall and Goodwood all attended so it was a great opportunity to meet some new people. The company also run a mountain challange event every year, last year I took part in this event, we entered 3 apprentice team. The company also hold regular events at Colleges and Schools to showcase the BMW apprenticeship.

Yes

I have found BMW to be an excellent company to work for over the years, the company offer some great benefits on top of a very competative salary, these include several bonuses throughout the year, a very good pension plan with the company putting in a very large contribution on top of your own and access to the company car scheme from the day after you join (min age 18).

Anyone looking to apply should do some research on the company. The assessment day would normally consist of a group activity, some online tests, an individual activity and an interview. Some engineering back ground knowledge and/or experience would be an advantage. Also another note to consider are the posts on your social media accounts, many employers now look at potential employees social media accounts.