Toolmaker Review

I have been asigned a mentor who will asign a different task daily, these tasks are designed to build on the skills i have already learnt. New skills are learnt almost daily and on the job training is plentiful. Daily tasks include press tool maintenance and repair. I have been learning how to precision grind, shape profile forms, mechanical assemby tecniques, drilling and the safe operation of machine tools such as lathes and mills.

Almost everything i have learrt was new to me. The skills i had already possesed have been greatly enhanced with the technical knowledge from college learning. The new skills i have learnt include marking out materials, precision grinding and hand fitting techniques and how press tools are assembled and operate.

Nearly every day i am presented with something new or something that is going to challenge me. One of the key skills learnt is to be able to effectivley plan every task to maximise effeciency, this is a great skill in and out of work. I enjoy learning new skills and the interaction with other skilled people. Everybody is willing to help each other so that nobody gets left behind, it is a team effort.

The first year is full time at college for everyone. The college has been good at providing the content on time and the expection is that deadlines are met. My employer keeps a track of work that is due and helps to ensure that problems are dealt with quickly. In year two there is a workplace mentor on hand to answer any questions and guide you through the next stage of learning. The course so far has been quite well organised.

My employer has been very supportive. My manager holds weekly meetings and is always available if i need anything. My manager keeps a close eye on everyones development and constantly provides oppurtunities for individuals to grow and learn at a speed that suits them. The business wants everyone to succeed and therefore helps to resolve problems quickly if they arise. Additional tuition is availible at times if people are really struggling with a subject.

The college program is intense and dedication is required to progress. It is easy to fall behind and have a mountain of work to complete. The college have been very supportive of people that need additional help. Deadlines have been extended when absolutley necessary and additional maths support is availible for those that need it. The tutors will often stay a little longer to help those in need.

The training i received has had a huge effect on my ability and performance. It has helped give me the confidence to tackle tasks that are new to me. I feel i have all the tools i need to safely perform work based tasks and be a much better engineer. It has helped me to plan, carry out and achieve above acceptable results in the engineering tasks i undertake daily.

The biggest event of the year is the mountain challenge. This is enjoyed by most apprentices and involves a set of outdoor team based challenges set over a weekend. All new apprentices spend their first week in Devon at an outdoor activity centre where they will partake in activites such as abseiling, orienteering, dighy racing and other team based activities.

Yes

As an employer BMW have been very supportive of my needs and have provided assistance when i have needed it to help me realise my potential. The pay and perks are very good and the work environment is friendly. It is a global family run business who have been around since 1916. The business is always investing in future technologies and i genuinley feel that my position within the business is secure.

Demonstrate your passion for engineering from the beginning. Learn to write a good CV, act proffessionaly at all times and work hard. The business will invest in you if you are able to demonstrate your commitment to the business. You must be able to work in a team. The rewards are worth your effort.