Maintenance Technician Engineer Review

I am currently an apprentice at MINI Plant Oxford, undertaking a Maintenance Technician role. I am now in my third year and in my final placement, of which is Body-in-White, I help to maintain all the equipment within an area of BIW to keep the process line running, in particular that of the robots that use adaptive welding processes to weld the pressed panels to form the chassis of the car.

Throughout my time on placement, I have been able to develop my approach to major breakdowns. Being exposed to a number throughout all the different technologies, I now have the knowledge and capabilities to draw upon those skills to have the most efficient approach to any breakdown situations.

I thoroughly enjoy my maintenance technician apprenticeship programme, having many opportuntiies provided to us, such as partaking in a placement abroad, we have been exposed to many different opportunities and experiences, that will not only better us as apprentices, but set us up with the solid foundations for our future endeavours.

The apprenticeship programme can be well managed, but in a recent FD semester, our days were moved around, meaning less time in our relevant technologies, thus missing out on crucial learning. This is only one semester, but it has seen to impact our time out on plant. Apart from that, the overall programme is very well managed, with each year being well structured.

BMW Group is extremely supportive, both with our academic and practical based learning, but also if we require any mental support, they are always available and happy to help where they can. They have been extremely supportive of all of our journeys in regard to our development and our future careers.

Some of our individual tutors can be extremely supportive. They will always be available either on Microsoft Teams or Email, and are happy to give up their time for our greater understanding and learning of certain topics. Sometimes greater support/understanding of our working commitments from the training provider would be a lot more beneficial.

There are certain topics that relate more to the work that is conducted within our maintenance role. A lot of the basic engineering skills learnt within our first year can be used within certain tasks and/or activities. In recent topics, PLCs and programming techniques and knowledge can be transferred to day-to-day work within BIW.

There are an abundance of extra-curricular activities to be a part of; Charity Champions, Newsletter Team, Sharepoint Team, MINI socials, all of which are open to apprentices and interns, allowing for networking between the two. Within MINI socials, many sporting schedules, evening socials and even trips away are organised. Within the Charity Champions, many seasonal activities are organised along with sports days, Christmas quizzes, and football tournaments.

Yes

It is one of the leading car manufacturers, and is world renowned.

When applying for an apprenticeship to BMW Group, ensure that you have a basic knowledge of the plant you are applying to and the history of BMW when applying. Further to this, have an understanding of the role you are applying for, research the role as much as possible. Attempt to have work experience in similar fields, and be yourself in the interview. BMW are investing in you, so want you to have an understanding of who you are, and how determined/eager you are.