Engineering Technician Review

I currently work as a Maintenance Technician on the project team where my day to day role means research into new stations for the factory and helping check over stations before they are delivered to site. I will also be working on the new production line once it is installed and be involved with the commissioning of the new production line.

I have learnt a lot of new skills in the work place such as programming skills in robotics, PLC's and Tightening Systems and fault finding skills. A range of training courses have been delivered which have helped build skills. It has also helped build my mechanical skills in the workplace.

I very much enjoy my apprenticeship program. I enjoy going into work and it makes the day go fast. The job is fast paced which makes the role exciting. I enjoy the aspect of coming into work and not knowing what is going to happen. I also enjoy the people i am working with.

The structure is organized but could be organized more. From a workplace aspect the workplace is very organized with apprentices but from a college/training provider aspect the course is not organized. In regards to university the day is not organized and the time table is very badly planned.

We receive good support from our employer. The managers of the placements which I have worked in give good guidance in regards to what work needs to be completed in the day and placement as a whole. The apprentice manager provides good guidance for apprenticeship tasks which need to be completed.

The support from the training provider is poor compared to support from the employer. Having moved from BMET to BCU very little communication have been given from BMET even though they have remained as our training advisor. BCU provide little support when we raise concerns with out timetable which makes completing the course harder and more stressful.

Aspects of the course applies to the day to day work but not all aspects. The course provides information on data communications and digital filters and spectral analysis which does not relate massively to work. The course is a normal uni course and has not been adapted for the workplace which shows the differences between academic and workplaces.

There are little extra curricular activities which are set up by the work place but there are groups who do activities together which come from the workplace. For example i ride my bike with a group from work and groups of people also play football together from the work place.

Yes

I feel that the BMW group is a very enjoyable place to work. Everyone is very friendly within the workplace and the day to day role is very fast paced which is good. As the workforce is highly made up of ex apprentices, they are always willing to support which helps boost knowledge and skill

When applying, ensure to be open and honest, BMW will not be looking for the people with the best grades but someone who has drive and dedication as well as a clear passion for engineering. Online assessments are performed and repeated in assessment days. In the assessment days communication between hiring managers and other candidates is key.