Control Technician Review

I am a first year control technician apprentice. Day-to-day, I attend the James Watt Birmingham Metropolitan College. This is where I have been studying various engineering topics that will apply to my future work life, from hand fitting to PLC's (Programmable Logic Controllers). This course also helps me develop the correct attitude and skills to be a successful engineer.

I have gained a lot of knowledge and learnt many new skills so far through this apprenticeship. I have received a lot of practical experience and therefore knowledge of materials and techniques on how to manipulate and form materials, in a safe manner. This apprenticeship has also allowed me to develop my knowledge of engineering applied mathematics.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship, as there is a good balance between the practical and theory subjects. This makes the day to day and week to week studying interesting and fresh. In every subject, the lecturers are always supportive to help and provide excellent teaching which creates a positive, safe area to learn.

The apprenticeship programme is structured very well. Each year is detailed with what you will be doing, with everything being a value to your learning and future career as an engineer. As I am a first year apprentice, I have only experienced the organisation for college and qualification provide, and so far, they have made the apprenticeship simple and easy to follow.

As a first year apprentice and under the covid restrictions, we spend majority of our time studying at James Watt college and do not regularly visit our future place of workplace. Even under these circumstances, our manager keeps in regular contact with us, ensuring that we are okay with our college work and helps with any issues or questions we have about the company. We are also kept up to date with what BMW is up to with emails and newsletter.

We receive a huge amount of support from our training provider, who has structured our learning for our qualification very well.

The knowledge that I have gained through studying for the qualification, for example the PLC subject that I have been taught, will greatly help me perform better in my future role as a future control technician.

I am not aware of any extra-curricular activities.

Yes

BMW offer a well structured apprenticeship program which gives you a vast knowledge of engineering topics and experience that will apply in my future career as an engineer. They also offer great benefits.

Be confident within your ability and prepare well.