Manufacturing Engineering Review

I am a second year innovation and digitialisation logistics apprentice, taking a manufacturing engineering degree apprenticeship at plant Hams Hall. After our first year at a local college where we undertook a practical skills course, we now work at the plant full-time. In my cohort of apprentices, we all have greatly varying responsibilities and workloads - from maintenance in our machining basement; to scientific analysis in our lab; to developing emerging technologies for the future. Since joining Hams Hall, my day-to-day responsibilities have included a variety of tasks. Primarily, I developed a technology which has now become a core focus of our team, and has provided many opportunities for myself, such as going to attend a management forum in Munich.

As mentioned in last years review: During college time we covered a diverse number of topics and learnt many new skills and techniques. Although I had prior experience, this apprenticeship has taught me to do things correctly, along with the details and fundamentals behind it. In addition, my time now at Hams Hall has allowed me to gain knowledge within the business, as well as develop many soft skills, such as working within teams and communicating effectively, keeping organised, writing emails, and managing my workload.

So far during my apprenticeship I have felt comfortable, encouraged and supported. For the large majority of the time, my time spent with the other apprentices and members of staff has been nothing but positive and motivating. This is an incredible opportunity to learn a range of interesting new things, alongside other motivated, like-minded people, whilst being paid. It is ultimately work, and wont always be easy or straightforward, but definitely enjoyable with the correct attitude and mindset.

Overall, our apprenticeship is organised and well structured. BMW and more specifically our manager is supportive and communicative, with all steps from the initial application/interview process, to our futures at the plant. The only problems with organisation were in the first year with our training provider. Things at the college could often taken on a temporary, immediate basis, instead of being planned in advance.

We are able to contact our manager at any time with problems we may have. He is always understanding and supportive. HR and other departments within the company (such as the car scheme) have also always been very quick and helpful in resolving queries. In general within the team, I could not be supported and encouraged any better.

Our lecturers have always been supportive and helpful at college. They are knowledgeable in their field and usually willing to answer questions and assist when needed. We also complete regular reviews to summarise progress, which can be seen by our employer. As already mentioned though, sometimes support and urgency can lack at the college, where we are not informed of things in advance.

Our training has been very varied and all-encompassing which does not restrict us and enables a range of job roles. This is important as a specific role is not chosen for you, you instead flow into an available place which suits your strengths and will be most beneficial for the company. I feel my qualifications will provide solid background knowledge for my career.

After Covid, official extra curricular activities have not completely returned to normality. But as individuals we try to organise activities outside of work. One primary example being football, which the interns and apprentices at Hams Hall now hold every week. It is a great extra-curricular activity which builds relationships within our teams, and is a valuable experience I would recommend to all.

Yes

Working for the BMW Group, and more specifically Hams Hall, is a very positive, valuable experience. From the product itself, to the work I am involved in, to the benefits and opportunities it includes, to the supportive and capable team - I could not ask for more and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Ultimately, just try your best. Spend time on your CV and cover letter, prepare for the interview and aim to stand out and impress. Remember that your personal qualities and behaviors are just as important as skills and experience. Things such as honesty, enthusiasm, and general professionalism and politeness all go a long way!