Engineering Technician Review

I'm in my third year as Engineering Technician apprentice at BMW Group. I'm completing my second year of FdEng Manufacturing Engineering course at New College Swindon, which is attributed by Oxford Brookes University. Tuesdays are used as day-release for this purpose so I can complete work and learn the specific subjects of my course. For the remaining 4 days of the working week, I am based on-site current working in a process improvement role within the new press facility - shadowing experienced associates, and leading my own project.

Since I joined the company, my communication skills and confidence have increased massively. The job involves connecting with a lot of people over the country and internationally, so people skills are a useful tool. In my on-site placements, I have learnt numerous new technologies which can aid with manufacturing production. The FdEng course has helped develop my existing mathematics and engineering science/physics knowledge and abilities - helping me integrate these into daily work where necessary.

The apprenticeship is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, although the first year wasn't to my taste, as going back to complete a level 2 qualification after studying A-Levels for two years was an odd set back because I was signing up for the degree programme. Following on from my second year - I feel like I'm now progressing much quicker and to a higher standard in my third and I believe this will only continue into my final year. Some people I work with can come across as withheld at first glance which is unideal when you're an apprentice trying to learn. But overall, the programme is now meeting my expectations.

I think after looking back over the last 2 years, the structuring of the apprenticeship makes sense and is useful for developing basic engineering skills. The placement scheme at work is well organised, switching between departments every 3 months, which enough time to learn one role to a high-standard. Delegation from senior engineers is fair and is work that is expected to be learnt anyway to develop skills. Studying is also well organised at college with a normal 9-5 day to be spent completing any work such as assignments and labs. Training is organised when required by the apprenticeship co-ordinator, which is compulsory but extremelt useful.

There is a lot of support on-hand for all apprentices, after-all going into work at a young age may seem very scary. A meeting with all apprentices is held every Friday to go over any questions, queries and current business movements to keep us all up-to-date. The HR team provide easy access to HR related subjects via use of the HR portal. The apprenticeship co-ordinators always go out their way if you require any help. I found that this year, once you've made connections around the business, it's easier to communicate and find help where you require it.

At college we have a course planner who is the go-to person for all queries with the degree course, and then individual tutors for each subject studied. The college has an advisor and support co-ordinator who is always on hand to take problems and questions regarding general health and wellbeing. They are extremely supportive and helpful with apprentices as they understand the importance of the course.

The course I'm studying is aimed perfectly at the role that I take will eventually take at work. The course oversees useful engineering knowledge which come in to play at Swindon Pressings and other manufacturing organisations/environments. Most theory that I learn from the qualification I use at work. The level 2 course as well as the FdEng have definitely made my understand the business better.

Unfortunately, at Swindon, there aren't many extra-curricular events organised. Plant Oxford seem to get the better deal with extra-curricular activities from what I've heard on the grapevine. There is the odd opportunity to be involved in fundraisers and charity events. Every year however, there is the "mountain challenge" which is done by willing BMW group employees from the UK to raise money for charity by competing in a friendly, competitive mountaineering expedition, last year it was due to be completed on Mt. Snowdon (postponed due to the pandemic).

Yes

A great and well-respected manufacturing organisation which is fantastic for kick-starting a career in engineering and for general skills throughout life. Working for a well-known automotive manufacturing in my first real job gives a great motivational push. They are very helpful and supportive and see younger engineers as good investment with good potential.

Don't worry about applying for the apprenticeship late as all applicants are accepted, it's not a first-come-first-serve application. Show your existing knowledge of STEM subjects and skills to give yourself a one-up. It's always useful to have completed some kind of project under your belt where you can show evidence of teamwork, motivational drive, technical knowledge and planning, and most importantly willingness to learn and improve. (I.e. I used my A-level Chemistry work as this in my interview)