Maintenance Engineer Review

As a first year apprentice I am in the training school. Mondays have been dedicated as college days while the rest of the week we are in the work shop learning all of the practical skills needed to complete the apprenticeship. the Training school is very well equipped with constant investments to improve and bring new technology in.

I am constantly applying my practical knowledge throughout my rotations while new knowledge is being added. The trainers are very knowledgeable and have all worked in industry helping to teach us not only skills but the real world application of what we are learning encouraging us to develop our skills.

I really enjoy the apprenticeship and my time here so far. I believe there is a good work life balance with a 12:30 finish on Fridays, and an enjoyable space to work in. Everything is clean with the workshops being kitted out with up to date machines with regular updates happening.

I believe the apprenticeship has been structured okay. There is definitely room for improvement with increased productivity. An example of this would be a slow start as during the first week there was very little to do as nothing had been set up prior to the start of the apprenticeship. There was also a lack of tutors for the first 6 months taking longer than expected to bring in the staff needed for the course. There seems to be a jolted pace throughout the course with nothing set for a few weeks then 4 assignments at once. This workload is easily manageable but can be frustrating when as a student you could see time to spread the assignments out.

BMW are very supportive and helpful. One of the main things that stands out to me is the open door policy and how inviting management are listen and help with any concerns. We have monthly sessions with all of the apprentices with key management for updates any information and that is relevant.

I feel that our college have not supported the students as much as they could. when we have run out of material to work with there are large delays in getting in new stock or any real want to stop problems like this from happening in the future. Our reviews from college do not seem to be personal. Although I am not satisfied with the college and how they have structured the course I cannot fault the attitude of the trainers on site and how helpful everyone is with all the set backs from the college. I do enjoy the apprenticeship however I feel the college could do a lot more to improve the experience

As a first year it is hard to see how my current learning helps with my final placements however we have a lot of input from other years and listening to them helps to see the final applications of everything we are doing currently. Tours of each department and speaking to others has also helped me see how beneficial first year is.

There are multiple ways to get involved with extra stuff at work. we have charity quiz and other charity events, also a 6 a-side team was set up for the first few months. Management are always open to new ideas and any activity's that the apprentices want to get involved with. There is also an apprentice run social club that has weekly events and social nights for everyone to get involved in with.

Yes

I really enjoy my time here. I feel valued and have access to many benefits including a company car scheme and a solid future career path. There are multiple opportunity's to progress your career and change what you are doing depending on where you would like to end up. I also feel that BMW support you with your decisions and will help you achieve.

My advice to apprentices applying would to be direct, this would include work experience on plant and going to any organised events. This way you can make contacts and be able to leave your impression on the people running the event. You can also make sure it is the right fit for you by asking any questions directly to management of the apprenticeship.