Level 3 Maintenance Technician - Mature Apprentice Review

The apprenticeship consists of training and developing maintenance and practical engineering skills to develop the competence for the potential maintenance job within the BMW MINI factory available after completion of the apprenticeship. For the first year, this consists of predominantly workshop based training, covering topic areas such as mechanical, fluid power, electrical, electronics and PLC's, hand fitting and machining. For the second and third years, we shadow a maintenance associate in different areas of the factory, gaining first-hand experience of the tasks and issues faced on the production line itself.

Although I had a lot of prior theoretical experience, I have developed a large number of hands on skills especially in fields such as hand fitting and mechanical maintenance. Certain modules covered were additionally completely new to me such as with PLC's and electrical. Furthermore, interpersonal skills have continued to develop through group-based activities. This has helped me develop my competence and base skills which I will be able to use in my second year when out in the factory.

I greatly enjoy the programme, being able to apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on applications. However, I do find at times the content does become a bit repetitive and tedious, with lots of similar paperwork to fill out for all of the units and modules. However, I feel this will become less of an issue next year when we will be shadowing maintenance associates and taking part in unique real-world maintenance tasks on the production line.

The programme is relatively well organised, but occasionally information seems to not get fully or correctly communicated back to the apprentices, leading to occasional issues occurring. This normally occurs due to different things being said between BMW staff, BMet staff and the apprentice team which means as apprentices we sometimes hear different versions of what is meant to be the same information. However, I feel the general structure of the programme is excellent, with the one theoretical college day and three and a half practical workshop days in first year providing a good balance between the different elements of the course.

I receive significant support from BMW, will all staff open and willing to listen to any questions or concerns which may arise. Regular progress reviews are held every three months, which allows for updates, progress checks and support mechanisms to be put in place if necessary. Regular whole year group meetings are also held to address any general concerns and when possible we are given good notice of any potential upcoming issues which may affect the course.

Regarding support, downstairs in the workshop all workshop supervisors are willing to provide support at all times both in regards to practical work being completed and regarding the theoretical paperwork. Supervisors are more than willing to suggest improvements to a workpiece or re-show a particular process that someone is unsure of. However, I feel the support is not as available regarding the college days on a Monday, with teaching not being as strong as most of the focus is put on just completing the assignments rather than actually understanding the underpinning knowledge and theory.

All the skills and knowledge developed through the first year will be applicable to the tasks we will be conducting on placement next year and thus will enable us to have a more active role in any tasks conducted. This allows us to understand the most efficient and effective ways of completing particular tasks as well as providing the underlying theory as to how a number of the mechanical devices found on plant operate.

There are occasional extra-curricular activities and networking events, however these are not regular and normally organised by apprentices themselves rather than the employer. There are also occasional charity events such as quizzes and football tournaments which all apprentices to get involved with. However, as the course programme is quite intensive with a lot of stuff to cover it is understandable not to take time out during normal work hours for these activities.

Yes

The company provides a clear, relatively well structured apprenticeship which allows student to develop all the core competencies and skills to progress their career into the future. Numerous job opportunities are made available on the the completion of the apprenticeship, and all staff are friendly and happy to talk openly about any issues or problems which may occur. Any errors or miscommunication are normally corrected at the earliest possible opportunity. There is also a great working environment created with a friendly atmosphere, allowing for efficient and effective work to be conducted.

The main advice would be to be take the opportunity seriously and prepare diligently for the interviews and assessment centers during the application process. Primarily, be proactive in your own learning and development and be attentive and sociable with managers, supervisors and fellow applicants/apprentices. Also, use where possible any prior projects and experiences to make yourself stand out more as an applicant - even experiences not necessary specifically to maintenance/engineering might enable you to show key personal skills.