Technician Apprentice Review

Depending on the placements, depends on what I will be doing, and placements lasts 3 months. Most mornings include a meeting to go over what has been done the day before and to remind us all what is left to do. Then I get on with the tasks that I am able to do, which may include a few emails as well as going down to the press shop.

My maths has improved significantly, as well as my skills on a computer/laptop. But most of all my communication skills has improved due to needed to speak to many different people from around the plant as well as from other plants. It can be daunting to start off with especially being small but everyone is very welcoming. Also my hands on skills have got slightly better.

I have and am enjoying the programme a lot, most people I meet I talk to them about where I work and what I have been doing. It's great learning so much on the computer as well as being hands on from time to time, it depends on the placement. It's a really good mix.

The programme is decently organised with most aspects in some sort of plan, but as the apprenticeship goes on the plan may not be stuck to exactly due to getting so involved in the process at work and being needed in different areas throughout the plant. Which makes you feel really good about the work you are doing.

My employer is extremely supportive. I don't exactly know how they could support me much more. They don't forget that we have college work to do and gives us a little bit of time to get on with it so we don't fall behind. We chat with the employer at least once a week to check on how we are doing in the workplace as well as college.

This year we only have one day a week learning everything, but facilities at the college are open to us to use. They go through questions carefully as well as having extra documents on Teams that we can look at if needed. Before handing in an assignment the lecturers go through it quickly to make sure we haven't missed any important points.

The qualification through my training provider we have 8 units in both the 3rd and 4th year a couple of them we do have to ask where it would be used within work but an answer is usually given. My Excel skills have improved as well as my engineering drawing, which is needed in my role

There are many extra-curricular activities that you can get involved in, however over the last couple of years many have been cancelled. There are challenges to get involved in where you can go against the other plants within BMW group especially in the UK. There are many charity events and there are a few parties to get involved in.

Yes

BMW is great as you can work up the ranks over time if you want to, and there can also be opportunities to travel with work and see the world by working at other plants. There is also the amazing car scheme and the pension doesn't seem like it could get better.

When going through the application process do not worry if you don't get a quick reply. Mention all the areas that you have previously work in and how that would help you in the role you are applying for. Assessment days try to stand out but don't take too much control as it may seem pushy and as if you don't listen to others ideas.