Control Engineer Apprentice Review

The overview of my role, in a day-to-day, at MINI Plant Oxford is mainly shadowing. This entails working with the currently qualified maintenance and control associates and learning from them. Whether this be about the systems and interfaces they use, or practical jobs involving repair, refurbishment and maintenance of equipment and machinery.

Through this apprenticeship, a plethora of new skills have been learnt. Furthermore, these new skills have been developed further alongside my existing skillset. Another key aspect of this apprenticeship is that the skills learnt vary across a variety of topics: electrical, pneumatic, welding, milling, turning (lathe), business acumen, web development - to name a few.

I enjoy the programme due to a variety of things. Whether this be the practical implementation of the theory taught in class, or the fact that any day can be different from the previous, the programme offers a variety of new experiences and opportunities - with a wide range of these available to apprentices.

The general structure of the programme is well organised. With the first year delegated to time spent solely in the training school. After this, the second year, time is spent completing placements through rotations around the business. The third year is when you have decided on a final placement (although not all placements are available to be chosen). The final year is when apprentices conduct shift work in these final areas. However, as the final couple years are reached, I believe it would be beneficial if the news regarding our next steps were communicated earlier and with more clarity.

To myself, this question differs on an individual basis. To begin with, the designated training manager supports as much as possible, if not more. They provide comfortable amounts of support and assistance whilst also maintaining a healthy working relationship, ensuring we have someone to communicate with at all times. However, this sets the standard very high and it is clear that it is not necessarily translated across all managers in the business - with some being more supportive than others. Overall though, I have personally not encountered any major issues with support.

Support from the training provider is generally good, in my opinion. The individual tutors of the classroom lessons are always ready and willing to provide support on topics and subjects where it is needed. This support is also reciprocated by the training school workshop staff whom, again, are readily available to assist if needed.

Most of what is being taught/learnt from the training qualification has not provided an immediate impact or reference to what is required in my day-to-day roles. However, I am aware that some of the topics discussed will be imperative to future roles and the knowledge acquired will have relevant applications.

The opportunities for involvement of extra-curricular activities have been ever-increasing as time goes on. Most of the official, work-related, events are coordinated and managed by the charity champions team - including recently a football tournament. There is also the recent introduction of the apprentice network - aiming to get apprentices from different plants and departments to network with each other.

Yes

The opportunity provided at this apprenticeship is very good. From the multitude of practical skills learn to fact that the degree is being fully sponsored, this apprenticeship provides the chance to progress into higher education whilst also learning invaluable real-life skills. Furthermore, it develops indirect skills that aren't taught in a classroom and are learnt through experience.

Understand the role you are applying for. This opportunity is a 4 year-long commitment, that will be great if you know that the role is something you are interested in. Furthermore, within the company of BMW, there is a expansive range of different roles in different departments available, so regardless of whether the role suits you, there is an option to change and progress elsewhere within the business.