4th Year Toolmaker Apprentice Review

Now working shifts, the day to day tasks vary depending on the workload in the toolroom at the time which include planned repair tasks, die modifications, 2nd tool life checks and break downs from the press shop. I'm in the last months of my apprenticeship and I am being given more responsibility for the work I carry out as well as working of problems independently.

Everyday is an opportunity to learn new skills and now I am working on tasks by myself, I can develop the skills I already know as well as learning new skills as I go. During the four years of my apprenticeship, I have been fortunate enough to be trained in the use of the overhead crane, forklift truck and die movement trollies among others.

I have enjoyed my time throughout my apprenticeship. The work has been varied and the team I have had the opportunity to work with are very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. This has made my time learning as an apprentice a great and enjoyable experience with sufficient support from all I've worked with.

The four year apprenticeship program that I am now coming towards the end of has been well organised from the start. From the first year spent at college gaining the foundation skills needed for engineering, to the fundamental basics in the toolroom for the second year, an all round understanding of the job role is understood before heading into placements where you can build on and put your skills into practice. The final year is spent working in the area you will be once you finish your apprenticeship whilst beginning to work on your own.

From the very first day of the apprenticeship and throughout, there is an endless supply of support provided for both work and qualifications. The support on hand can come from any direction such as fellow apprentices, associates, management and assessors. You are never far from someone who can help you with something, no matter how big or small.

For the entirety of the apprenticeship, the college are on hand to provide support as needed for qualifications and provide regular performance reviews throughout the apprenticeship. Outside of the help and support offered by the college, NVQ assessors are always available to assist with the work based qualifications carried out within the workplace.

The qualifications gained throughout the apprenticeship are designed to create an understanding of engineering as a whole leading onto tool making as a specialised subject. In the beginning, the foundation competence phase helps to understand the general practices found within the engineering environment. Once in the workplace, the qualifications undertaken help to build on the foundation knowledge whilst gaining an appreciation for the art of tool making; a skill that develops over time, with hands on practice.

An apprenticeship with BMW is not just learning and working; there are a number of different activities to get involved in and you can do as much or as little as you like. Apprentices can participate in the company run mountain challenge, attend schools and careers events, plant trees on behalf of the company and visit sites all across the world. Be willing to put yourself out there and the benefits and the experience of doing these events will be worth it!

Yes

Coming towards the end of my apprenticeship, I wish I could do it all again. I have had the opportunity to meet and network with a vast array of individuals, across multiple sites and countries. I have enjoyed getting to understand and learn what it takes to be a toolmaker. The opportunities offered are amazing and not many apprentices can say they've had the same or better than we have. It is a welcoming, friendly and supportive company to complete an apprenticeship and there's the added bonus of being paid while you learn.

Four years seems like a long time when you think about applying for a BMW Group apprenticeship but when you get to the end of each year, you can't believe it has gone so quick. It will be four of the best years of your working life. Think about the opportunities they offer in terms of qualifications and work experience; it's not often you find such extensive work experience and qualifications combined. If successful, remember to take a step back and appreciate what you have and most importantly, Enjoy Yourself!