Level 3 Maintenance Technician Review

I am currently in my second year which means that I am carrying out placements on site at BMW Plant Hams Hall. The aim of the placements are to gain experience within all facilities of the assembly hall (which is where I'll be based after my apprenticeship). On a day to day basis, I shadow the maintenance technicians on an assembly line and learn the different types of preventative and corrective maintenance, as well as the different technologies used. I gain experience in both the major situations (i.e. breakdowns) whilst also getting involved in the minor issues (such as ordering parts).

I have definitely improved my communication, problem solving, and team working skills (to mention a few) since starting placements on site, as I have had to talk to new people, go into areas I've never been in before, and form support contacts with the people on site. It has definitely given me a lot more confidence as well as maturity. On a breakdown, there is always more then one technician, and in some cases more technicians than just maintenance, which has taught me how to work appropriately with a group of people in high pressure situations. In terms of skills and qualifications, they are constantly developing with each placement and training course. I am currently working towards my level 3 in advanced manufacturing engineering, and after I will complete a foundation degree. I've recently undergone training courses in safe use of ladders, risk assessment, first aid... so the learning never stops

I have no hesitation in saying I really enjoy my apprenticeship. I have been passionate and wanting a career in motor manufacturing since a very young age, so this apprenticeship was perfect for me. Whilst carrying out placements I really feel as though I am a part of BMW Group which makes me really proud of myself. Everyone at Hams Hall were extremely welcoming and were always willing to help me if ever I needed it. Everyone in my year group get on really well, it's like being with a group of friends all the time, except when on placements haha but even then I've got on really well with technicians and even felt like I fit right in on the line.

At this moment I cannot fault the structure of the program. The first year of college was filled with both theory and practical in elements that were related to the job, and have come with me onto the placements on site. With regards to the placements, we receive a plan from our placement manager which organises a placement within every facility of assembly alongside sessions of training in the technologies used on site. Our training manager holds frequent meetings with each year group and updates us on the business, our placements, goings on, etc. He is almost always available and always wants what's best for us. The studying is probably the hardest part of the apprenticeship as I find i lack motivation after a days work but i think thats the case with all apprenticeships, or just me.

Each apprentice in assembly is given a mentor, mine is the maintenance process leader for the entire shift. Our manager is very supportive, always just a phone call away and holds quarterly one to ones to not only track performance but also offer support where necessary and ensure we're all okay. Fortunately, I've never really needed any support from anyone other than my manager, so im not 100% sure on how i would go about it, but there's definitely people I've met that I would more than happily go to for support.

I've found that since starting day release in my second year, and having one day where we learn quite focused topics, that that training has improved from the year before. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable in their subjects (this is something that is hit and miss for James Watt college) and all are very supportive with regards to getting the grades. I do enjoy college as the subjects are really interesting and relate closely to the technologies used on the shop floor.

The training definitely helps me to perform better in my role as the subjects we study on day release relate closely to the technologies used on site (Programmable Logic Controllers, Microprocessors, Electro Pneumatic Systems, etc) Although i dont really use a lot of these skills now (as I have not long started on site), through meeting different employees from different areas I understand that i will definitely use these skills in the near future.

There is a football team that takes place every Wednesday evening that is properly organised with an indoor pitch hired out at a local leisure centre. There are fundraising opportunities for the house charity (was Alzheimers UK, now CALM) however due to the impact of the coronavirus I haven't been able to get involved in the extra curriculars as i think they have all temporarily stopped.

Yes

I would definitely recommend BMW Group to a friend as you get all training and qualifications in the most enjoyable way possible. They pay EXTREMELY well, employ a small number of apprentices per year so you form a friend group whilst also getting more focused support where it matters. Would recommend to everyone.

Be passionate! You need to be passionate to pursue an apprenticeship like this one as its not easy, you need to enjoy what you do in order to drive yourself through the days that are a little bit harder than the others. Believe in yourself and have confidence! If you're a girl looking to do a career in engineering, go for it! I can guarantee you wont regret it :)