Level 3 Maintenance Technician Review

1st year apprentices will be learning core engineering skills. You are completing practical assessments across 10 different modules to display your skills. Milling, Turning, PLCs, Fluid Power, Business Improvement, Handfitting, Welding, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics. Monday is my college day where I study engineering, physics and math.

I have greatly developed my skills across several engineering disciplines and now know how to weld to a good level, how to interpret engineering drawings, understanding PLCs and how and why they work. I have learnt two brand new skills of milling and turning.

I really enjoy the programme. I loved learning the new skills from tutors and then displaying my new skills in the practical. I was anxious about the math required before but I have learnt along with the course and have been supported by both the tutors and my classmates.

The course is well structured with all new apprentices being shown their timetable when put into groups at the start of the year. The training plan is available for all to see. If you have missed a week due to illness or holiday, there is plenty if time to catch up.

I have regular meetings with my employer where we have an open conversation around how we are. The BMW staff have an open door policy so that if there is anything that I would like to say without the group, then I can do so. Regular 3 monthly 1-1 meetings are also arranged.

BMET college has been good with supporting me with my studies. They have supplied all students with a number of online resources to refer to if we are struggling with course work. BMET also conduct regular 1-1 meetings with all their students.

I feel that the modules in the qualification allow me to develop a further understanding of how and why things work. I feel that the practical has given me a greater understanding of my own skills and where i need to improve.

BMW encourage many extra-curricular activities such as sport teams and charity champions. If and when occasions arise, apprentices are asked if they would like to attend events with members of other BMW plants.

Yes

They are a great employer who can recognize skills and are willing to develop them. They offer a good salary with good benefits such as a car scheme and pension.

BMW employees work as a team. The company likes enthusiasm and like to hear what you have to say. If you are passionate about a certain aspect of manufacturing or engineering, let them know.