3rd Year Toolmaker Apprentice Review

Day to day tasks include general engineering practices such as hand fitting, machining and the modification of press tool equipment. Servicing and inspecting press tools for production purposes are also included in the day to day tasks given to an apprentice, all of which are vital to understanding the job role and gaining the relevant qualifications of the apprenticeship.

The company always provides the opportunity to gain new skills and expand on any existing skills developed during the apprenticeship. Relevant, job related training is provided to ensure the skill base of each apprentice is wide and plentiful, making them the best engineer they can be. Nationally recognised qualifications and training are provided throughout the apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship programme provided by BMW is thoroughly enjoyable albeit challenging in places. By assisting apprentices to push themselves to be the best they can be, the workplace is filled with people who enjoy their job and who have worked hard to be innovative and incredible engineers. It is a privilege to work among these people and the enjoyment of the apprenticeship programme provided the opportunity for this.

Over a four year programme, each year is well organised and structured to allow for steady development throughout the apprenticeship. The programme starts with a year focussing on foundation knowledge leading to a year of understanding and the development of job related skills. The remainder of the programme is spent on understanding the business and gaining experience using the skills learnt previously.

Support is always on hand should it be needed and guidance on how to progress through the programme is always available from a variety of different people, be it fellow apprentices, colleagues who have previously completed an apprenticeship, individuals who have been with the business a substantial amount of time or members of management. There is no lack of support during any part of the four year apprenticeship.

There is a significant amount of support available from the training provider. If support is needed in a particular area where is does not exist, the training provider will endeavour to put a support system in place to assist where needed. There are a variety of skilled staff with a number of different engineering backgrounds who can provide help with almost any engineering subject.

The qualifications gained through the learning provider set the foundations for the skills learnt in the workplace. By completing the qualifications, any underpinning knowledge is gained and expanded on to ensure the basics are understood before building on them and put into practical experience and makes the transition into the workplace easier knowing there is a knowledge base to start with.

There are a vast array of extra curricular activities that go alongside the apprentice with BMW Group. They include but are not limited to: adventure training/outdoor team building, assisting with recruitment events and placements at different plants. An example of an external placement is spending six weeks in a German plant learning the skills to manufacture and build the press tooling that is looked after and maintained in Swindon.

Yes

The opportunities open to apprentices in the BMW Group, both in the UK and worldwide are endless. The ability to travel the world whilst working is a reality to only a few people and BMW can make it happen. The salary provided is very competitive and often more than most apprenticeship equivalents. The qualifications, training and education the company provides is next to none and overall, the people make the job and apprenticeship worth while. This apprenticeship leads to a career, not just a job.

It is a lengthy process from first applying to the first day on the job but have the determination to keep going. Do all you can to show your best self and try not to be nervous, it isn't as scary as you think, we promise. Try your best to gain some work experience in an engineering field before applying which will help demonstrate your enthusiasm. The apprenticeship is very rewarding and is very recommended. Work hard and good luck.