Apprentice, Engineering Technician Review

The first year is spent in a workshop, doing practical work (such as using a lathe, milling machine, hydraulics, robotics, welding etc) 4 days a week. The other day of the week is spent in a classroom doing BTECH work. After the first year, I should be spending two days a week in college/university, while spending the other days of the week working on actuall enginering projects on the plant, I will be on placement.

Absolutely, we spend 4 days a week in the workshop learning practical skills. These new practical skills include working with electrics, hydraulics, pneumatics, using a lathe, milling machine, electronics, soldering and welding. BMW take pride in being at the forefront of modern technologies, so they are always investing in us apprentices by providing us with new technologies. We recently recieved the investment for, and have purchased multiple 3D printers.

I completely enjoy my programme. I have spent about 9 months here and already feel a part of the company. Even though I studied 4 A Levels before joining, meaning I didn't learn much in the lassroom, I have enjoyed studying the practical parts of this course and I have developed as a person, as well as an engineer. Who knew you coud work hard while enjoying yourself so much?

There are two organisations that I work with. I am employed by the company I work for, but I am under a collge for my first year. It is the colleges task to teach us all for the first year, in practical and paper based skills. The structure is well thought out in the college and company side of things, but their communication can sometimes fail in places.

Working for a company straight out of school is a big step. Even though our employers expect us to behave professionally from the get go, they understand how much of a change professional working life can be, so they are and always will be there to help us with that step. They are just as focused on us developing as professional characers as they are us becoming engineers.

Considering I have done 4 A Levels before joining at the Level 3 BTECH level (I will then study a degree in later years), I have not needed much support with the classroom based activities. But, I know the support is there if I was to ever need it. I have needed support with the practical parts, and the tutors are always there when I've needed them. While doing a task, we are never alone.

The training providers are on site and work closely with the company. The companys needs are always reflected back to the trainers and there are frequent disucssions to ensure that anything we need to know is taught to us. They are also good at looking to the future and are developing us in new technologies as they come into practice.

As the cohort of apprentices spend a lot of time with each other, we all get on very well. So, if there is ever an opportunity to go out or take part in extra carricular activities, the opportunities are jumped at. There are plenty of events that are booked in to take place every year, but due to the current COVID situation, most of these events have been postponed.

Yes

First of all, they are interested in the same career as I am. It fills me with pride to work for my company, but I wouldn't work here if I wasn't actually interested in my job role. You have got to love what you do, and I just so happend to find a job that I love. So, if you love the idea of this type of position, I would recomment it highly.

Only apply somewhere if you think you'll love your job. Yes you get an amazing salary and yes you may be able to get a company car as soon as you join (for over 18's, subject to eligibility) here, but that isn't worth not loving what you do. If do want a job in vehicle manufacturing engineering, then please do apply. It doesn't cost anything to apply for a job. When applying, list all your extra activities outside of the classroom, and take pride in what you have done!