Apprentice Maintenance Engineer Review

Studying theory and putting it into practice down in the workshop. A 1:4 day ratio of theory and workshop. Filling out logbooks, pre assessments and question packs in preparation for tasks in the workshop. Assignments for all subjects in BTEC undertaken within the classrooms and if needed home.

I have attained new skills using different machinery and programs to control. Theory knowledge that I haven't previously had. Development as a person and taking charge of a team. Experience of managing health and safety of an area and contributing my efforts into increasing its level of safety. Escalating problems within reason if not being able to solve myself. This enabling me to meet different individuals in the company, ultimately creating a larger network within the company. Increasing manual dexterity and viewing problems in ways different from before. Professionally development. I've learnt a lot about myself as an individual, helping to point out area's in which I have gained strength or places of weakness.

My program and the group that I work within, cannot fall below perfect. Company culture is always to maintain a high level of work rate and professionalism, whilst achieving high grades. With mitigating circumstances from my personal life, the company have supported me far and beyond of what I had expected, reconfiguring the program and putting a break on learning in order for me to slowly catch up with speed of the course. The adaptations have allowed me to catch up in the period of my apprenticeship without having to add the stress of it. I think the company and course providers are exceptional and have a very caring environment for their students and staff. Managers and others who look after us, are exceptional and the level of help we attain from tutors is amazing.

It has timelines and deadlines of what we are to studying and given a yearly breakdown of what we are to expect. Sufficient time is provided, I am a bit slower than others in terms of understanding and learning. But, never have I felt that I cannot approach my tutors at any point. The only difficulty I find, is time, since the tutors have got more on their plate from taking additional work load, difficult to schedule in meeting as they are busy with teaching.

With my own personal experience, I must say that some are like guardian angels. Managers, team leaders and tutors have complete understanding of situations. They try to help where necessary and have gone far and wide in order to attain the help that I require. Access of support is like a walk in policy and structures have been put into place to help with situations. I cant thank god for all those who I have as my mentor, managers and staff around me. The continuation of support and the level of how much I get is truly amazing. They treat us professionally but have humanity inside them to know we may not always be 100% and that external influences can have an impact on us, mentally and physically.

Like I said previously, my training is delivered by some very smart and caring individuals, who take the time to explain it if needed. Would like some additional time to sit with the tutors in order to explain something that may have been taught. I enjoy the process of learning and new materials that I haven't learnt about. Could do with a few more hours of classroom for those like myself who take slightly longer than others to understand theory.

As I have not yet been out on plant, I am attaining real life site experience through the classroom without the time constraints. I have tutors who will explain the process and why the process goes in the order it does. It allows me to make the mistakes now rather than out on the plant. The theory varies, as sometimes it does correlate with what was learnt and other times it doesn't. Real life application doesn't always work the way theory does, though it falls into the guidelines of it, adapting and thinking outside the box is something which we are learning, allowed to make the mistakes now, preventing them later on in the plant.

Other than networking with others, Covid has had an impact on social events and activities which normally may have been available. Currently, we have a random selection for those to sign up to a half marathon on behalf of the company to raise money for charity. Events are scheduled in to visit different plants and organising to go on a residential to increase colleague bonding and team work.

Yes

Brilliant company to work for and have a very promising career. From the program, you can see that the company is always wanting the best from those that have been employed. Company car schemes and other benefits that come with being employed by BMW. Getting paid to study, leaning new skills and knowledge, career progression within the company. The way we are treated and how the company looks after its employees.

Preparation for the tests and assessment day, ensuring that documents to help support your application. I would also tell them the intensity is not as bad as people say it is, the company support system and the benefits of working for the company. What you shall be doing throughout the course and what is expected of yourself