Maintenance Technician Apprentice Review

My role as a maintenance engineer is to essentially keep production running as best as possible. We have day to day breakdowns on different machinery and systems which often requires maintenance work in order to resolve the issues. This varies from mechanical, electrical and software based maintenance depending on the issue encountered. Preventative maintenance also plays a large role in maintaining the systems.

I have learnt many new skills during the apprenticeship. Before joining I had very little hands on experience within an engineering environment. I have learnt many things from machining different parts by hand, using a lathe, and milling machines. I have also learnt a lot more about software systems and other systems such as the PLC programs used to control the production line along with a more in depth understanding of different electrical aspects and wiring. Not too mention the gain in knowledge of fluid power such as hydraulics and pnuematics partly from college and partly from experience in the workplace.

I enjoy the apprenticeship program a lot, I feel that it is very fulfilling to learn new things every day in an area that you are interested in. The people that train me and work along side me have all been very welcoming and helpful. I have definitely made some good friends during my time so far and believe i will make many more to come in the future. It has set me up for a good future in the industry.

The program on a whole is structured well. We have one day per week where we go to the college to learn and study and then 4 days at the plant. The structure of the lessons and college work is good and beneficial to the workplace and the encounters you have. I believe that a slightly better structure of placements around the business could have been created for me but other than that it has been good. I know this has been addressed and is better for newer apprentices.

Support is easily found within this apprenticeship whether you are at work or college. On occasions where I felt that I was struggling with something or needed clarification of a certain topic I would certainly be able to access it with simply by asking a colleague or lecturer. Everyone is keen to help with the apprentices here and this makes you feel welcome to approach different people to find the correct support. Even the person you asked can't help they would often find an answer for you.

The college on a whole is a good place to go and learn. The teachers are keen to push you to achieve the best of your ability and are always there if you get stuck. All training I have received has been carried out well and backed up by the support offered if ever you struggled with a certain topic. Sometimes I feel the approach and organisation of lessons could be improved so that more is gained from the course.

All of the topics covered within the training are relevant to the job role you are aiming towards. For my job role within the workplace, a good mix of mechanical, electrical and programming is necessary for the job. I feel that within the training I have covered a good level of this within my education during this apprenticeship learning about manufacturing/machining, general maintenance, PLC systems, robotics, fluid power systems, electrical systems and many more.

There are many opportunities for such activities to get involved in. I personally enjoy my sport and have play football with colleagues on multiple times, often during charity fundraisers. Also I have joined a BMW corporate golf scheme with some colleagues from a past placement. This allows us to play golf at fantastic local golf club together for a discounted rate on a regular basis. Also there many other activities which raise money for charity, one worth noting is the three peaks challenge where you and other colleagues go trekking/hiking to raise money in a competition.

Yes

I feel it is a very good and inviting place to work. Everyone here helps you find your best self and pushes you to achieve highly. The training I have received has been very informative and helped develop my knowledge and skills. Not only this, the rewards which come with the job are great, including a good wage and many benefits such as the car scheme available. Overall I enjoy my time spent within the workplace.

Be confident in yourself and allow yourself to learn and develop all knowledge and skills offered by working here. Always ensure that you push yourself to achieve all goals set infront of you and don't be disheartened if something doesn't quite go as you expected. Make sure to gain knowledge and experience at every possibility by getting involved and asking questions. If you push yourself to do well here, there is a lot of potential for growth into a rewarding career.