Toolmaker Apprentice Review

My day to day job role involves performing and carrying out tool maintenance on all the press tools that are used to produce the panels for the Mini Brand. tool maintenance involves the basics such as cleaning down the tools all the way to larger repair and modification processes in order to have them operating within the correct tolerances

through out the course of my apprenticeship I have learned such a wide and vast amount of skills and new abilities... During the first year we learnt a huge amount of knowledge that gained us an understanding on the whole basis of engineering and about all processes / elements that are commonly used in these environments the second and third year we have been on site learning where we have developed and gained so many practical skills and elements all about tooling, using machines and equipment as well as general BMW traits.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship program as I have always had a passion for the practical work we carry out as well as Cars, so being involved in the helping of making such a defined branded car is great fun. I really look forward to coming into work to continue with the job that is underway.

The program has been well structured, ever since the first year there has always been a plan in place for the course of work we would be doing. especially during time within the workplace there is a structure and monthly plan in place where we spend time at different departments to grow an understanding on the business and what work happens.

We receive lots of support from our employer and also everyone we work with inside the workplace. If ever we are in doubt or confused about anything at all (even non-work place based fears) there is always someone there to speak to and receive help from so that you can continue work and develop as a person.

Swindon College as our training provider have been good for providing support when working towards our qualifications, if we are ever stuck with work or struggling with time schedules there are always opportunities to go to extra lessons / receive support from lectures or even get extensions for work if we need

My qualifications that i have been learning the past three years so far has greatly helped me to perform better in my role, before beginning this i had no prior experience to anything engineering related but now i feel more then confident to carry out work inside the environment due to the things that i have learnt and the qualifications i have earned.

there are many extra-curricular activities inside and outside of work, within the apprentice ship there are many team building skills and trips you go on to grow stronger and also relax from work with friends. we do a Skern lodge week of outdoor activities as well as a mountain challenge over the course of the weekend as a team to challenge yourself in your physical abilities.

Yes

i would recommend the apprentice ship to a friend if they had the same passions as i did, its a great scheme to learn and develop the finest engineering abilities using so of the most up to date technology that really allows you to grow and learn. the apprentice ship is also a great way to gain access into a business which offers you so much room to climb the ranks and progress.

if i was to look back from now to when i started the apprentice ship i would say so many things. when you apply be patient as it takes time to hear back from BMW but if accepted you will have to do some online tests so prepare yourself and take your time (Engineering, Math's and English short test) then you will hear back to see if you passed. on passing you will have the opportunity to then go to an assessment day with the other people who applied, you will spend the day / morning doing small tasks with others. Finally passing that a final interview will be held with some management at BMW to judge if you have achieved a place.