Mechatronics apprentice at BMW Group Review

The course I am doing is an advanced engineering apprenticeship at through Swindon college which is working for BMW Swindon. I'm a mature student who used to attend Swindon college on a Thursday which I completed last June and now i attend my work place completing an NVQ in the workplace. I am completing jobs which would help me to finish my apprenticeship.

I’ve learnt new skills while attending college like using the Mill in the workshop or using the lathe in the workshop too. Doing electronics in college is a new skill that I use which has always been an interest of mine so I’ve enjoyed that in particular even though I’ve found it fairly difficult. In the workplace I've learnt lots of new jobs in the build where I used to be based and wasn't qualified to do them and an other (press) where I've never worked but learnt a lot about the presses themselves so very interesting.

This particular program I am on is enjoyable to me and exciting, as being a mature student I am relishing the opportunity I’ve been given by my company to be able to get paid as well as studying. This is good because I can still live my life I have as well as learning which is very helpful.

Well i have been working for the company for about 21 years. Fifteen of which have been employed by the company. The five before i was employed by an agency in oxford. I feel very valued by my company. More of which now due to the fact they have given me this opportunity of the mature apprenticeship. The company has provided my with a well structured and organised apprenticeship.

My employer has always been helpful throughout the time I have been employed with them. I get good updates from my employer about the company. My manager will provide team briefs which are helpful and they are always on hand if I need them. My apprentice mentor has been very helpful if needed especially at the difficult time we have in the country at the moment.

At the moment my main training provider has been very helpful in helping me working towards my qualifications. The support i get though work is also very good and they understand my needs in working towards the qualification. Anyone that has been about in the years of doing this apprenticeship has always supported me very well.

Well, some of the things that were leant in the first year i didn't think i would use so much but after being in the workplace for some time now i believe the first year was very helpful to perform better in my current role and look forward to using everything even more.

At the moment like last year we have been entered in to mountain challenge which because i enjoyed so much last year i wanted to do it again so I'm looking forward to completing that in the summer months with lots of other apprentices (If it still goes ahead...). Other social events are often organised by my apprentice colleagues too.

Yes

The reasons I would recommend my company to others and friends are all of the above things I have mentioned. They are a great company to work for and they really give the opportunity to the staff to help better themselves as well as making it fun in the mean time.

If anyone I know would want to apply to BMW group or anyone that asks me about applying to the company I would deffinatley give them a few tips about studying maths before as I feel even though the support is given there is quite a lots of maths involved in the course so i found it difficult at times. Support is always there if needed though and try and enjoy it whilst you are doing it. I know when this is all finished I'll miss being an apprentice.