Toolmaker Review

In year three I now work with experienced engineers who provide me with different tasks on a daily basis. These tasks are designed to develop the skills I have already learnt. New skills are learnt almost daily and on the job training is plentiful. Daily tasks include press tool maintenance and repair. I have been learning how to precision grind, shape profile forms, mechanical assembly techniques, drilling and the safe operation of machine tools such as lathes, mills, power press and surface grinders.

The skills that I developed at college are able to used in the work place and i have had plenty of opportunity to practice and enhance these skills. I have leant how to use a variety of complex equipment and machinery and use them safely. This has enabled me to work independently which has increased my confidence. I have also been able to develop my hand fitting skills using a variety of tools to carry out precision engineering tasks.

Almost daily i am still presented with something new or something that is going to challenge me. One of the key skills learnt is to be able to effectively plan every task to maximize efficiency, this is a great skill in and out of work. I enjoy learning new skills and the interaction with other skilled people. Everybody is willing to help each other so that nobody gets left behind, it is a team effort. Year three has been challenging because I am pushing myself to be more independent and subsequently a better engineer.

The first year is full time at college for everyone. The college has been good at providing the content on time and the expectation is that deadlines are met. My employer kept a track of work that is due and helps to ensure that problems are dealt with quickly. In year two there is a workplace mentor on hand to answer any questions and guide you through the next stage of learning. In year three i am being mentored by experienced engineers. The course so far has been well structured. The apprentice manager is always on hand to deal with any problems as they arise and the business helps to ensure that everybody succeeds by providing support and guidance.

My employer has been very supportive. My manager holds weekly meetings and is always available if i need support with anything. My manager monitors my development and constantly provides opportunities for individuals to grow and learn at a speed that suits them. The business wants everyone to succeed and therefore helps to resolve problems quickly if they arise. Additional tuition is available at times if I am struggling with a subject. The business has been been flexible to my learning and development needs.

The college program is intense and dedication is required to progress. It is easy to fall behind and have a mountain of work to complete. The college have been very supportive of people that need additional help. Deadlines have been extended when absolutely necessary and additional math's support is available for those that need it. The tutors will often stay a little longer to help those in need. In y ears two and three an independent assessor works with me and provides guidance to get me through my Level 3 NVQ reports. He is on hand to help whenever it is needed to prepare me and my work for final submission towards my end point assessment.

The training i received has had a huge effect on my ability and performance. It has helped give me the confidence to tackle tasks that are new to me. I feel i have all the tools i need to safely perform work based tasks and be a much better engineer. It has helped me to plan, carry out and achieve above precision results in the engineering tasks i undertake daily.

The biggest event of the year is the mountain challenge. This is enjoyed by most apprentices and involves a set of outdoor team based challenges set over a weekend. All new apprentices spend their first week in Devon at an outdoor activity centre where they will partake in activites such as abseiling, orienteering, dighy racing and other team based activities.

Yes

As an employer BMW have been very supportive of my needs and have provided assistance when I have needed it to help me realise my potential. The pay and perks are very good and the work environment is friendly. It is a global family run business who have been around since 1916. The business is always investing in future technologies and I genuinely feel that my position within the business is secure. There are lots of opportunities for development and progression within the business and other plants.

Demonstrate your passion for engineering from the beginning. Learn to write a good CV, act professionally at all times and work hard. The business will invest in you if you are able to demonstrate your commitment to the business. You must be able to work in a team. The rewards are worth your effort.