Level 6 Engineering Technician Review

My week consists of both physical work in the apprentice workshop and study towards my degree. I spend 3 days out of 5 with BMet tutors who teach us many skills and practices ranging from electronics to welding and the other 2 days working on assignments and learning new content in college work.

Since joining this apprenticeship around 6 months ago, I have learnt many new practical skills in the workshop and I still have many more to learn for the next 6 months. As well as this, I have developed knowledge gained during my A-Levels on my college days and learnt entirely new subjects such as business management and mechanical science.

I believe that with the variety of work we cover and the different areas of the site we are in throughout the week makes the programme very enjoyable and the week never feels repetitive or not engaging. Of course, when covering so many different topics and practices, there will always be areas you enjoy more than others but I have not yet taken part in any work I did not enjoy.

The week is very well structured and we always know what type of work we will be doing for the week ahead. It is organised so that the work you do will always feels fresh, allowing you to remain focused on it and get the best out of your learning

The main point of contact from BMW Group is my training manager who, I feel, I am fully supported by for any help, information or clarification I may need. Although the majority of my work is at Plant Oxford and my manager is in Plant Swindon, she makes it clear she is always just a phone call away and I feel this does not affect the support she is able to provide in any way.

Whenever I, or others, have experience any difficulty in work to do with our qualification, BMet always seem very happy to try and find out what people are struggling with and finding ways to improve this. This support has ranged from going over question in more detailed on a one-to-one level to setting up extra support sessions for those who struggle more on certain topics

My work is split up into college work, which goes towards my qualification, and learning skills in the workshop, which does not. Although we have not yet had any placements in the plant for the roles this qualification could offer, we are always informed by our tutors where and how what we are learning could be implemented and the competencies gained in the workshop with things such as understanding health & safety and how to approach learning new skills will help me throughout my career.

Although I have not yet signed up to any extra-curricular activities myself, since joining this apprentice we have been informed of teams you can join inside the company such as the apprentice newsletter, Sharepoint contributions and charity champions which allow employees to make a positive contribution to the company whilst being able to network with others. I have also seen how easy and encouraged it is for apprentices to start up new social groups such as a 6-a-side football team and a netball team.

Yes

I would recommend this apprenticeship to a friend as I enjoy my day-to-day work - I look forward to the weeks, months and years ahead doing this job. Whilst studying for this qualification, I have received great support from those around me, learned many more skills and all whilst working for a leading company in this industry. I am very proud to be an apprentice for BMW Group and I hope to have a very long career here.

Since joining in 2022, the application process has changed for applicants however, I would always suggest doing research into the history of the company, understanding the reasons why you want to join BMW Groups` apprenticeship over other companies or paths and try and let the type of person you are come across during the interview process.