Manufacturing Craft Review

First year Full time College. Second year Day release at College, 4 days a week at Hams Hall. Third Year, full time at work, working towards a Level Three NVQ and an End Point Assessment. College Subjects; Maths, Electrical Principles, PLC, Mechanical Principles, Micro controls, Electrical Maintenance, Bench work, CAD Hydraulic and Pneumatics, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Maintenance, Lathes/Turning, Milling, Mechanical Maintenance, Health and Safety, Micro controllers, Placements onsite consists of general operation of Cylinder Block, Cylinder Head and Crank shaft production lines. (Not assembling an engine) Tool setting, Tool engineers, Production specialists, Quality engineers, CNC programmers and more. NVQ Consisted of CNC programming and Measuring. (Subject to role)

Yes. at college you learn; Maths, Electrical Principles, PLC, Mechanical Principles, Micro controls, Electrical Maintenance, Bench work, CAD Hydraulic and Pneumatics, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Maintenance, Lathes/Turning, Milling, Mechanical Maintenance, Health and Safety, Micro controllers, On site you learn all departments behind Engine manufacturing and finish you apprenticeship as a rounded/developed individual who can quickly become an asset or a range of areas within the business.

To enjoy the first year, you have to enjoy some variation of engineering. This due to all apprenticeships completing a standard college program based around manufacturing. Post first year, the role is very enjoyable. You experience a range of roles within the business that give an insight into the thought, planning and problem solving behind production.

First year is structured very well. the College subjects are pre-determined, therefore no planning is required on you behalf. The College is James Watt campus; part of BMET. the final two years of the apprenticeship is determined by your mentor. My year group is the first Manufacturing Craft Apprentices, therefore our apprenticeship was new to the business which resulted in a few changes in the structure. However, future apprenticeships will follow a clear structure with deviations suited to your learning, NVQ and progression.

Bar far this is the strongest subject. Unlike College or Sixth form, while completing your apprenticeship you will receive the highest level of support from your "manager, mentor, collogues and active mentors. this is due to their invested interest in apprentices. this is due to most managers/mentors being apprentices themselves in the past and understanding the importance of younger employees moving the company forward.

On a whole, the college lectures on average. You will experience some lectures that will go above and beyond to aid and assist you through your learning. whereas, some lectures will leave you to teach your self and will be an up hill battle. I believe this is down to BMETs management. your support from the NVQ provider is incredible however, along with support from your mentor. Any issues will be resolved quickly and adequately. BMW will do all they can to support you.

First year of College gives you the initial engineering knowledge and skills you require to become a part of the team at Hams Hall. the second year at College will be suited for your job role. With development in technology and manufacturing, I believe these subjects could be better and will likely change.

Yes there is. BMW encourages Charity events along side a yearly Football tournament and a Mountaineering challenge. There are opportunities to visit other BMW Group production plants within the UK to both the Swindon plant and the MINI plant at Oxford. This giving an insight to alternative types of manufacturing.

Yes

Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity. Not only does BMW APPRENTICE stand out on a CV, but a BMW apprentice gives opportunities and experience that is not achievable to be obtained from a smaller engineering company. BMW is invested in apprentices, this meaning as long as you pass your apprenticeship and achieve all expectations, you will walk into a Job within the company with three years experience with a good salary.

Do everything you are told, ask every question you can think of, and network around this business. By working in all areas and making a good impression, it may well give you future job opportunities in alternate areas that you did not expect to progress into. take every day as a job interview.