Engineering Technician Review

As an Apprentice, I get to go through different work placements. This allows me to get experience throughout different areas of the company. Various departments allow me to take part in projects and give me responsibility as if I had been working at the business for a long time. This further enhances the opportunity to grow in the business and develop my skill set.

This apprenticeship has allowed me to develop many skills. Starting off with people skills. As a Technician, it is very important to be able to work with everyone, since you will be working with various teams/departments in order to complete work such as projects. The apprenticeship program also allows you to develop your confidence in the workplace and become more independent.

I enjoy the apprenticeship a lot. I get to work with a brilliant team of apprentices and integrate with various departments. Everyone incorporates the company morals and culture to make the work place a nice place to be. I enjoy meeting new people, constantly learning new skills and learning more about the business.

The programme is very structured. Monday to Wednesday includes working in various placements organised by management. Thursday is a college/uni day at the specified training provider. Finally, Friday can be flexible to allow for extra time for academic work or for placement work. The first year of the apprenticeship was full time at college.

There are endless resources of support at the work place. Whether that be needing a chat with your manager or have a problem that needs resolving. The HR team is also ways there for support and resolving issues. All the mentors in the various departments are very supportive and will not let you fail, they will pass on every skill they can. You can also join the work union for extra support.

The first year of the apprenticeship was full time at college, this meant that you were always around to seek support and help with any outstanding work. From the second year onward of the apprenticeship, you are at college/uni one day a week, this means you have to make the most of time you are at the college. it can be challenging when seeking help during the week (except Thursday), however, the tutors are always answering emails.

The qualifications that we study allow us to build a basic foundation to build on and develop in the work place. The theory we learn at college only slightly differs when putting it into practice in the work place. The key modules that are tough to learn in the work place are mathematics and mechanical principles.

There are annual events you can enter into, such as the mountain challenge. Every year teams of apprentices from all BMW sites get together and compete in the mountain challenge. The challenge is held in a different location every year and you get to walk some amazing countryside while completing challenges to win the competition.

Yes

It is a fantastic opportunity. You get to be a part of the future of manufacturing, as new technology and innovation is always being explored. You get to see how everything works across the BMW Group Mini sites, from manufacturing, to IT, Quality, Support, the opportunities are endless. It is a brilliant experience.

I would prepare yourself for a large workload from college/uni. You do not want college work to be lingering in the background. I would advise managing your time to optimise yourself in getting work done and keeping it manageable. I would also take every opportunity you get given and also seek opportunity, get name and face known.