Level 3 Maintenance Technician Review

I have 10 rotations that last me about 4 weeks each. These rotations consisted of doing tasks and completing paperwork like logbooks and UPKs. I also have volunteered for extracurricular activities like charity champions. The rotations consist of Handfitting, Milling, Turning, Welding, PLC, Fluid Power, Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical and Business Improvement.

I have learnt many new skills like analysing engineering drawings, how to weld, how to mill and use a lathe, learnt about PLCs. There are lots of new skills to be learnt during these rotations as they are all individually different to each other. It also helps you develop existing skills as they are constantly required. These can be like teamwork, leadership, independence and many more.

I have enjoyed this program to quite an extent. It has been a new experience and I met lots of people who I wouldn't usually meet. There has been times where it can feel a bit long with paperwork but otherwise it is enjoyable. The assessments are enjoyable and the tutors can be very supportive. You are also given multiple opportunities to meet managers and external board members within the program where you can voice your views.

At the beginning, the structure of the program wasn't done well. There was moments where you come in and have nothing to do. Overtime, the structure has been improved as multiple changes has happened. There is better organisation as you go further down the line. But the first 2 weeks of the apprenticeship might seem a bit rough.

BMW has gave lots of support options. There are many people who is available to talk too, and they have stuff put in place for majority of issues. They can be quick with the support given and can be very professional about it. They do not mess about and are good at keeping it confidential/

You receive lots of support from your tutors. They are able to teach anyone, from someone with no experience to people with multiple experience. They keep a professional but friendly manner and you can easily go to them for support. There are also lots of things put in place to support anyone.

BMet helps you by giving you a basic understanding of stuff that you may have to use for later down the line. They are able to teach you the basics which will help you in your role as then you can expand on that base knowledge instead of wasting time learning a brand new thing.

There are lots of extracurricular activities. There are teams like the newsletter, charity champions, the liason team, and multiple social activities. You can easily get involved in them by requesting to join or by asking another apprentice on who to talk to to join in the social activities. I participate in charity champions and football, where I work and play with interns and other apprentices. BMW also offer multiple networking events where you are given opportunities to talk to board members or managers in the factory.

Yes

It is a professional apprenticeship. There are clear structures set in place (might need a tweak or two) and they offer multiple opportunities. You can easily network through social activities or professional activities. They provide a wide range of support to apprentices and you also develop a lot of skills and experiences. I would highly recommend this for someone that wants to work in the manufacturing/car industry.

Be friendly, professional and someone that is proactive. BMW gives the most opportunities to people who are proactive as they recognise and award people for trying. Don't be afraid to go out your comfort zone and always ask. Older apprentices are always happy to give advice and even do social activities if you aren't weird.