Maintenance Apprentice Review

Being a maintenance apprentice, you are required to be competent with many tasks including, programming systems, mechanical systems and electrical systems. Being on press cover is enjoyable as when the press breaks down, there is a job for you to fix it to get it up and running again, therefore you feel good about yourself.

I have learnt many new skills, coming straight from school at 16, i had little knowledge on engineering, the first year was a foundation year and this is where you learn the basics needed for the factory. The second year you are in placements within the business and this is key for building on the skills and knowledge learnt at college

I thoroughly enjoy the programme, the plant is very tightly knit and this helps building new working relationships within the business. Using these relationships to your advantage to build on the knowledge and to not be afraid to ask questions. It is enjoyable as a maintenance apprentice as something different happens everyday.

The programme for apprentices in swindon is extremely well structured, our training provider works closely with us, she offers us guidance when needed and it gives the other apprentices confidence in their own work. The recognition for apprentices achieving goals is well praised with also gives motivation to continue to improve work.

As apprentice in swindon, we receive a lot of support from the employer, we are in different placements in the business, this allows us to have the whole perspective of what goes on in the business. By moving around the business, it may get difficult however the communication between the apprentice training provider and the placement manager is very good

I receive alot of support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications, a topic within college is to come up with a project you are able to do within the workplace, i personally was struggling to locate a problem within my placement, i went to the placement manager and he gave me a problem and i had to come up with the solution.

As an apprentice the basic, foundation knowledge provided by my training provider is extremely important and necessary, coming straight from school, i had very little knowledge, the support and activities provided by swindon college helped me propel my career when stepping into placement, i had already a basic understanding of how machinery worked and problem solving.

Within the business, there are extra-curricular activities in which apprentices are able to take part in. One of the favored ones within the company is the mountain challenge, this is where the different plants across the country go up against each other for a race up the top of the mountain. However, covid has affected how these run.

Yes

I would recommend BMW group, to anyone who has a keen interest in working in engineering and manufacturing industry. There are many roles in which you can apply for, this allows for the business to have a variety of personalities and qualities etc, it is an enjoyable time and you are able to make good relationships there.

If you are looking to apply for the apprenticeship, you should be yourself and honest. It is important to research the business and what goes on there. Get involved with the school events etc and ask questions. A big piece of advice would be to research the company values and relay your knowledge to the interviewers.