Apprentice Engineering Technician Review

Complete placements in different working areas to gain experience and understanding of the job roles within them. Learn from them and use that knowledge to carry out various tasks that they set in order to benefit them/the department/the company. One day a week college to complete a degree course that finishes at a level 6 or equivalent.

I have learnt what it is like to work in different environments within the plant, and the challenges that each department faces. This has developed the ability to learn and develop information and knowledge quickly, as well as the ability to communicate it appropriately back to the relevant people when required.

As a second year now, it is very enjoyable. Learning the different job roles that I could potentially become at the end of my apprenticeship is very interesting. Helping those within the departments with tasks that can benefit the company is rewarding, as well as the knowledge gained in the process that can be transferrable throughout the company in the future.

The placements are very well structured, with beginning and end meetings for each department to ensure that the placement has been worthwhile in terms of learning the crucial information, as well as ensuring that they were enjoyable. This structure maintains a well-organised rotation throughout the areas, whilst ensuring that they are carrying out their desired goals on both the apprentices end and the departments'.

The staff in the Swindon plant are very nice and are helpful, and often assist the apprentices wherever possible with the tasks that they are set, both physically and in by sharing their knowledge and guidance. Each departments' apprentice mentor are experienced in how to get the most of the placement for both the department and the apprentice, whilst insuring that the apprentice fully understands the work.

Only being at the college one-day a week means that there is a lot to be done in that day, but any questions can be asked via email etc. on others days and the response is usually helpful, and timely. Hopefully the lessons learnt for them running the course this year can be turned into improvements in the years to come.

I have gained a good understanding in the subjects that have been taught, and this is transferrable back into the work that I have carried out during the placements. For example maths, business and quality and reliability, are all examples of subjects that I have completed at college and then used that knowledge where appropriate in the various placements.

The first week as an employee is a residential-style trip, this is with all of that year’s apprentices across BMW group UK. This provides an opportunity to create a network across sites and across the UK, learning new skills and working in teams. This network could lead to extra-curricular activities outside of work as well. There is also a yearly ‘mountain challenge’ which is a teamwork challenge to complete tasks, this is a great weekend experience and achievements are recognised and highly regarded for successes in this event.

Yes

The BMW group is one of the leading car manufacturers in the world, and their apprenticeship scheme is highly regarded. The opportunities provided throughout the apprenticeship are excellent, including international exchange with foreign apprentices, varied work placements etc. The wage is excellent, especially being paid for learning, and the car scheme is also a great perk.

My advice would be to start developing the personal skills detailed above before applying, so that you are ready for the course. I would also say that patience during the application process is important, and they will tell you whether you are successful in reaching the next stage of the process or not, in time. Researching both the company and the plant is import for the interview, as this will be tested. A project is also required, so undertaking a project, through previous education or personal projects, and evidence of this (the product created, documents, images, drawings) should be taken to the interview day. It is essential to read the communications throughout the application process, as it will contain crucial information on what is required of the applier.