Control Engineer Review

Within the BMW for production-based apprentices our first year is learning fundamental skills combined with a one day per week degree session. We learn a variety of skills varying from PLC programming to Milling and Turning. Following on from the first-year production-based apprentices have separate placements from their initial Shifts (Classes) and branch out into different sections of productions at the plant they are based at, or different departments based upon their role as an apprentice.

I have learned a variety of skills not only within my degree course but also within the foundation training provided. These skills include Understanding and implementing VPS principles in the workplace, Health and Safety risk analysis, Fabrication techniques, Programming in different language, Pneumatic systems, Electrical and Electronic Circuit design and diagnostic ability and many others that directly correlate to your job role.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I have had the opportunity to develop my knowledge greatly but also take those concepts and apply them to practical skills. All the while meeting people from all different backgrounds and learning to work as a team to develop our skills. I enjoy the programme as the company continually invests in us and presents us with clear career paths which we can easily expand upon and change if we do not enjoy the direction we are going.

The programme structure at times has been poor. There are periods where modules should have been changed around to allow students to excel for example in my degree, I had a module on PLC programming the prerequisite training for this is to cover PLC programming and Fluid Power systems prior in the workshop by the other training provider. This however was not done making it more difficult to complete assignments and practical work during our degree session as we had to cover basic topics that were missing.

My employer supports me well there are clearly caring and motivated to provide the best training that they can. My managers are very easy to contact and are more than happy to help with any ongoing issue we are having whether work related or not. They are just a call away and always promptly rectify issues. If they come across an issue which is insolvable they implement a strategy to mitigate them or stop them from reoccurring.

Our training provider is often inadequate in their support. A clear example is some of my fellow apprentices struggling with the maths in the degree, they were promised an additional session with a tutor. However, this never occurred with minimal effort being put in to find a tutor in the first place. This was repeatedly raised to the manager, but no action was taken. Furthermore, the training provider does not supply enough tutors for the size of the apprenticeship at current levels this is manageable but with an intake set to almost double next year this will be far too much work and there is no indication of preparing for the mass intake.

Although I have not yet started my placements older apprentices have said that the modules that are covered in their degrees are vital to their job roles and without this training, they would be unable to effectively perform in their job role. All the information and training that we receive is relevant to the business and the roles that we are to fulfil so that no time or resources are wasted.

Yes, there are plenty of things to get involved with. I play football with my fellow first years every week at the local football club after work. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to join the world skills team where I can compete against companies’ apprentices as well as universities in engineering skill-based competitions.

Yes

It is an excellent company to work for, you are important to the company and as such are treated fairly and given plenty of benefits. BMW do not spare any expense to invest in their apprentices and enthusiasm and talent are met with additional opportunities. Such as the move programme where a select few apprentices from the UK get to visit and work at different BMW Plants throughout the world.

If you are offered an apprenticeship at BMW or any other company apply yourself and work hard your company will reward you with great opportunities. Another key piece of advice is to keep on top of your work if you do not it will crush you and you will not be able to produce your best work. At BMW or any other company from the minute you begin you are creating a portrait of your character to your managers. These are the people who make decisions on pay rises, placements and eventually your final job role within the company as such always present the best version of yourself.