Toolmaker Review

My role as a toolmaker is to repair and maintain tooling dies within Mini Plant Swindon. In the workplace we can use hand tools as well as machines such as milling machines. General work is focused on the details of tooling dies rather than larger workpieces. One example could be to fix a chip within a trim edge on a tooling die by welding, grinding and filing.

I have learnt many new skills in my second year of my apprenticeship, mainly using hand grinders and learning to grind flat. In my first year I had learnt about electrical engineering, fluid power, mechanical assemblies, welding and using machines. This had prepared me for my second year so that I could competently work in the workplace and develop these topics to level 3 subjects, where we had a one day release to college, with 4 days in a week at work.

I very much enjoy learning and do not enjoy studying as much. With an apprenticeship, I have found that I am constantly learning new things, either in college and learning new engineering subjects or learning new techniques within the workplace. With the apprenticeship, you work as you learn and do not need to continually study for tests unlike traditional college.

Our programme is very organised as there are set days for us to be working at Mini Plant Swindon with one day a week to be working at college. Around every 3 months we are given a new placement with a review for the start and end of the placement to gauge our progress and set some new objectives for our next placement. This ensures that we continue learning in different parts of our workplace.

I am happy with the support that I recieve from my employer as they are good at listening to feedback either within the company or with our education supplier. When there have been issues with our education they have been sorted quickly and with no issues to ensure that we have a good learning and working experience.

We recieve a good amount of support from our training providers as we are taught all that we need when learning subjects in class and given enough time for due dates for our assignments and works. Teachers are happy to slow down class if you need some parts explained in greater detail.

I feel that my qualification greatly helps me to perform better in my role as what I am learning within college lines up with my work at Mini Plant Swindon. Mechanical assemblies, using machines, hand fitting and welding in my first year has really given me a good start to my second year to be able to use all the tools needed in the workplace and weld material together which I enjoy.

There are many extra-curricular activities within Mini Plant Swindon such as the mountain challenge (similar to DofE), Charity champions with quizzes and fund raises and school visits to help promote the apprenticeship to potential apprentices at schools and colleges. There have also been charity football matches and visits to other BMW group plants such as Oxford, Hams Hall and Rolls Royce Goodwood.

Yes

I would recommend this apprentice to a friend as it is a great way to learn and gain experience in the workplace at the same time. It is also a great place to learn of different engineering tools and techniques such as welding, filing to develop skills that can be used to advance within the workplace.

When applying to BMW, be sure to take practice SHL tests for english, maths and engineering and also be sure to check that you take all three tests sent over email during the application stage. Also be sure to look into the role to see what the toolmaker role involves. This will help show your interest in the role and give you a better impression during the interview.