Toolmaker Review

As a toolmaker, our main job role is to ensure that the tooling dies within Mini Plant Swindon are in good condition. Within day to day working, there are many different tools, machines, dies and people to work with which can all give you good working experience, whilst you also attend college one day a week to give yourself a good education.

I have learnt and developed many new skills since joining this apprenticeship. Within my first year I attended college full time and learnt many new skills, both physical and theory based skills. In the workplace, I had learnt how to use hand tools but also gained experience and techniques from experienced toolmakers to better improve my existing skills.

I very much enjoy my apprenticeship program as I am able to learn and gain experience within the workplace at the same time, all whilst being paid a good salary. I have learnt many different things about hand tools and the techniques used at work both within my education and by working with experienced toolmakers within the workplace.

My program within college is organised well, with set lesson periods and suitable break times to allow us breaks between lessons as well as lunch. In the workplace, our placements are very well organised with objectives given to us with each placement to further develop certain skills or learn new ones.

I feel I recieve good support from my employer as we are encouraged to speak up about any potential issues and or improvements we may notice in the workplace. As BMW has a good relation with our college, this support also extends to ensure that our education is up to a good standard as well as our work placements.

Our training provider also encourages us to discuss any improvements that may benefit our classwork and education. We are also free to email or ask for help within lessons to discuss any misunderstandings we may have within assignments, so that we are able to complete our work to the best of our abilities.

I feel that my qualification largely benefits my role as a toolmaker within the workplace. Our qualifications are based firstly upon practical skills in a level 2 qualification that directly applies to our workplace, with our level 3 qualifications giving us better understanding to engineering drawings and other theory related activities such as fluid power and planning a project.

Within BMW there are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with, most notably the skern lodge trip given to apprentices when they first join. Since COVID restrictions have lifted, there will also be many more opportunities compared to before, such as a mountain challenge, different open evening events and more.

Yes

I would recommend the BMW group to a friend as it is a great way to experience hands on learning whilst also being able to gain skills and techniques from experienced workers before us. By being able to work directly with skilled workers, you can very easily pick up on the best techniques to apply in the workplace as well as how to properly plan and carry out different work activities, such as repairing a trim edge on a tooling die.

One main piece of advice I would have to give to others applying to the BMW group is that the application process can be lengthy, so it is important to check emails and be patient when applying. Another tip is to make sure to practice SHL tests online for maths, english and engineering as they are part of the application process. Lastly, it is very helpful to research the company and especially plant swindon. This will give you a good advantage for the interview.