Engineering technichan Review

First year Eng tech, currently training in the workshop most days where I learn how to mill, turning, welding, hand fitting and electronics and one day a week we focus on our foundation degree where we learn our 3 modules per semester for example (CAD, maths for engineering and businesses topics).

I have learnt lots of new skills such as electronics, plc and milling down in the workshop and developed my skills in turning and hand fitting. I have developed my skills on the milling machine and learned how to create more complex pieces and I now have more of an understanding of how to operate the milling machine. My foundation degree teaches me new skills such as CAD on Soildworks and higher maths.

It took me a few months to settle in to the big change and new environment but yes I am enjoying it. It is challenging and I am learning lots of new skills and getting a sense of achievement. However, I think communication between Bmet and BMW could be improved to smooth the transition into this new job and support the apprentices more.

Our year has been the "guinea pig year" as we have been told the structure has not been great. We had a lot of confusion about our qualification for the first few months and the structure isn't always clear.

I have received support for my learning as I am dyslexic however I had to inform BMW and BMET multiple times before I could receive support and take it upon my self. To improve I think it action should happen at the start of the apprenticeship and all teachers should be inform before we start learning.

I have received support since informing them I am dyslexic and been given extra time. However, for a higher math's module we were supposed to be given support but it was not able to be put into place in time. Depending on the teacher there can be more support given, one of my teachers offered me extra sessions with a module I was struggling with but another teacher struggled to offer support due to not understanding themselves.

As I am only in first year, I have not started my placements to test my skills or see which qualifications are needed for my role. However, I have gained / developed many skills that have helped me improve my technical skills and personal development so I can be prepared for my placement. My foundation degree has helped me improve my time management which is a key skill to have.

Yes, there are the girls netball team that I have participated in. It was a lovely way to network with other females from different departments and year groups. There is also Charity Champions that you can get involved in where they host social activities with all year groups to raise money for charity.

Yes

It is a great alternative to university as you get work experience and a salary. With BMW apprenticeships you can easily follow a great career path as it offers lots of different opportunities and you do placements in different departments so we will have a wide range of skills at the end of the year.

Be prepared for your presentations / interviews, have confidence and show passion for your work and hobbies. Your personality and work ethic is very important you should show this to your interviews and have an interest in BMW group / MINIs. Preparation is the most important, you can be yourself and not let nerves control you.