Tool Maker Review

Being a tool maker means we are responsible for the condition that the dyes are run in within the press. Our role is maintaining them, cleaning them, sharpening them or replacing damaged parts. If an issue occurs where a faulty panel is produced, it is our responsibility to correct this within the dye.

There have been many new skills learnt and skills enhanced, this includes how to use CNC machines, a wide range of pneumatic tools, and even how to use more enhanced pieces of equipment such as radial arms drills. These skills are not just on the equipment but also the dyes themselves as we learn how to take care of each of the different dyes in different ways.

The programme has helped me integrate more with team skills and has given me so many opportunities to try new things as an apprentice from learning different CAD programmes to using advanced 3D printing equipment. In addition, we get the opportunity to experiment what works and what does not with the various equipment we work with.

The programme is very well organised and we are frequently put on various training courses to better help us with our day to day work. From crane training to welding courses, this structure helps get us qualified for all areas we may work in. In addition, we frequently get coaches to help ensure we are on track.

Our employer gives us as much support as we need, if we need time to progress academically we can request and are usually granted it. If we need a specific job for our placement goal then we can request it for when the opportunity arrives. They ensure that we can complete everything we are set.

For our qualifications such as college work or NVQ work, we usually get Fridays off to type the reports up. In addition to our NVQ work, if we request specific jobs we can be notified when those jobs have come in to collect the evidence we need for our NVQ.

The qualification unfortunately is more in general engineering when it comes to the college work so does not always offer as much help other than the basics, however the NVQ focuses more on our job roles and definitely helps us benefit by expanding upon the knowledge we collected through work.

There are frequent challenges that our charity group come up with to get everyone involved in socials, these can include Christmas parties, quizzes, or exchange programs where you could end up working at one of our external plants learning how their techniques may differ from our own.

Yes

Because out of all the possible working environment none help you to achieve the goals you need to like BMW, everyone is happy to help, they are sociable, there are many company schemes to help better your personal lives and the pay is great. If the opportunity arrives within BMW and you love engineering in any field take the chance and apply.

Take a chance with any field of engineering. Even if you are not sure about tool making there is always the opportunity to move around within the company structure, positions open up frequently and there is always encouragement to move up the corporate ladder. All you need is the right enthusiasm and relatively decent grades and you have a chance.