Interior Surface Centre - Level 3 Apprentice Review

My role in the interior surface centre at RRMC involves in the learning and assistance of production of various wood, carbon and painted interior trim pieces. This can range from more basic processes such as hot pressing, milling and veneer prep to the more advanced areas such as bespoke, planning and maintenance.

I have learned a lot of advanced wood working skills at Chichester College such as different cutting techniques. At RRMC I have learned the use of machines such as hot presses, mills, bag presses and sanding. I have also learned the process of picking and preparing veneer for these parts.

The programme has it's ups and downs. In general the organization of the programme from the RRMC side of things is lacking. However it is being improved by various people in the BMW Group. From the college side of thing, however, the teaching and learning is both enjoyable and of a high standard.

The work side of the programme is not very well structured. Generally I feel that the role of an apprentice in the interior surface centre is misunderstood. Often we are left to figure things out for ourselves or to latch onto whoever is nearest in order to further our education. I believe that BMW group are looking to improve this however. The college side of the apprenticeship is very well organized.

I receive a good level of support from the BMW Group apprentice advisor. However I feel that support is often lacking from the interior surface centre. We get left to figure things out for ourselves quite often and there is a noticeable lack of direction from management and process supporters.

There is a high level of support from our training providers at Chichester College. The head of the furniture department is excellent when it comes to any problems involving coursework, practical work and even RRMC concerns. The quality of the course as well is very high and I feel like I am learning a lot.

I do not feel that the college course that we take in the interior surface centre has that much relevancy towards are actual workplace. Aside from using similar materials the actual work and techniques that we learn at college are almost never used in the workplace aside from a few extra curricular projects that we are made to take involving marquetry. However I understand that it is a difficult thing to match a college course to the type of work we do in the interior surface centre.

We are often asked to do events such as visiting our old schools in order to inform current students about the RRMC apprenticeship scheme. We also play football with our workmates every Wednesday and Friday. Every other week we have an apprentice meeting involving all 4 year groups where we can raise any concerns.

Yes

RRMC is such a well known and highly regarded company that any apprenticeship completed here looks amazing on your CV. There is the opportunity to progress through the company and build a great career. Also the area in which the company is based is very nice with Goodwood only down the road.

Make sure you are completely clear on what you will be doing in your apprenticeship. I wasn't entirely sure until I actually started what I would be doing other than that it would be in the interior surface centre. Also if you get the apprenticeship make sure you put yourself forward and apply yourself to every opportunity in order to meet new people and make a better impression.