Toolmaker Review

on a day to day basis I do a range of tasks starting with putting on my uniform and PPE so I can safely enter the workshop. Once I am ready I report to my team leader or check the work schedule to find out what I need to do. This can range from completely cleaning a 30 tonne die to grinding a flat face onto a 10mm circular punch

I have learnt and developed many skills both technical and social, such as communicating with different levels of hierarchy within the company, using a laptop and programs like excel solidworks, I have learnt to weld and grind to high tolerances and I have gained a lot of machining skill and knowledge

I enjoy the work I do, the quality of the uniform I'm given, and the people I work with. There is a friendly and helpful culture and environment created through everyone coming up through apprenticeships which makes work less stressful and an easier place to learn in. The food available is also very good

There is a very structured programmed for us to follow. The first year we spend five days at college and the days start and finish consistently at the same time. Second, third and fourth year are 1 day at college and 4 days in the workshop. This is an easy routine to follow.

Whenever there is an issue that we cannot resolve ourselves it is always handled by our employer. If we are able to handle it by ourselves our employer will at the least support us in doing so and check in to see that everything is ok. We also get check in messages and meeting throughout the week.

Our training provider ensures that if we are struggling there is a plan put in place to help us catch up and fill in any potential gaps. We are encouraged to help our peers so we are able to get support from the head of the course as well as tutors and fellow apprentices

Everything we learn we can either directly apply to our role or the techniques and principles we learn will at least help us with problem solving and provides extra knowledge and skills that may be hepful in the future so it is also good to know and learn these too

I have not taken an official role in extra curricular activities but I have supported numerous charity fundraisers, school event days and assisted in providing information for the newsletter team so they can write news articles about the ongoing events with apprentices and happenings around the plant I work at

Yes

BMW offers an amazing apprenticeship scheme that not only allows you to learn numerous trade skills, from welding to machining to operating forklifts and power presses, but also encourages personal development in young people, providing support for the transition from young person entering the workforce to a skilled and confident engineer

I would advise you to record (with pictures) any of your personal interest and hobbies and write short detailed paragraphs explaining everything you do, from planning to doing. It does not have to be engineering related but it will show you have interests and are capable of explaining the how and why you do things