Control Engineer Review

I am currently completing a level 3 btec for my first year. I am learning engineering specific maths and physics whilst in the classroom, and hands on mechanical skills in the workshop, such as turning and welding. Next year I will begin my foundation degree at Birmingham metropolitan, commuting there once a week.

I have learnt some new areas of engineering physics and maths, as well gaining a much more detailed understanding of a variety of workshop skills and disciplines. In electronics, I have learnt a great deal about plc technology and manufacturing electronics. The workshop has had a lot of money spent on it, so most of the technology is up to date and enjoyable to work on.

I enjoy my program, but i'm often disappointed by the poorly run management. I often have to find out important details about my apprenticeship from other apprentices, rather than having confidence that my managers will accurately inform me. I think I'll enjoy next year a bit more, as i will be on placement in the factory and be beginning my degree.

Poorly. Many elements of the future of my apprenticeship are yet to be confirmed or agreed upon, and I feel many important future decisions are left to be dealt with once they are encountered, rather than forward planning for them. The recruiting team were extremely poor at explaining what my apprenticeship would involve and what my eventual job role will include.

Support is not bad. My physical and mental health is always considered, with frequent check ups on my academic progress. I feel cared for by my employer, as I have a good pension plan and can get free therapy/counselling if i need it. I think more support could be provided for apprentices who move from other cities to attend the apprenticeship, as many feel isolated and don't have the same opportunities to make friends and attend clubs etc as they would in universities.

Support is okay, but the organisation of the qualifications is often unclear and poorly organised. We have frequent check ups to assess our progress in the btec, which involves talking to the Birmingham Metropolitan representative and talking through a question sheet. We have time in this meeting to confidentially express any personal problems or issues that might be affecting our learning which is good.

Considering I already have a-levels, it sometimes baffles me that we must complete a level 3 btec before starting my degree. However it has occasionally been useful in getting up to scratch with old academic areas that I haven't covered, as I didn't take a level physics. I believe that my current academic learning will be useful in my degree, as it has greatly increased my electronics knowledge.

There are not many extra curricular activities, however there is a cost effective gym on site, available to employees. There are occasional social events such as bring your family to work day etc, however I personally don't feel much enthusiasm towards these. There is a Mini car customization event every year for the Cowley road carnival, which I don't know much about unfortunately.

Yes

Because of the employ-ability of having worked for such a reputable company. Large amounts of money are invested into the training school and workshops, which really helps you get a learning experience that few other establishments can offer. BMW also provides you a degree, without debt and offers the possibility of eventually working abroad in other BMW factories; in America for instance. You gain a great deal of experience on the factory floor, which is an invaluable asset in my opinion.

Although the first year btec can feel quite slow, it will improve drastically over the coming years as you enter your degree. Many of the management team are really nice and helpful, and will help you with any issues you might have. You will quickly mature and adapt to the working life, which can be a bit of a harsh contrast for younger apprentices. Money becomes easier and easier, as you will get several pay rises throughout the apprenticeship, as long as your progress is on track.