IT Degree Apprentice Review

Tasks change on a day to day basis. In my home role, I'm Involved in many projects in the business where IT is required, so I have frequent and many meetings on a daily basis with many different projects and ongoing topics, including our upcoming building extension. Our team is responsible for overseeing and managing all applications that are used within the plant.

I have improved my communication skills and my ability to host important meetings. I have also expanded my network by communicating with many different managers, users and product teams/owners across the BMW Group. My knowledge of BMW group systems and applications has expanded greatly which is extremely helpful for my role in Integration.

I really enjoy the difference in day-to-day tasks and projects. There are always new projects to work on which are particularly interesting, involving various new technologies and applications. Also the ability to have placements in different areas of the BMW group is very enjoyable and fulfilling to widen my knowledge and network.

My programme is quite flexible which is a positive as opposed to being structured and organised. I am able to decide departments I would like to work in for placements, and work with my manager to create a placement plan for me to follow and organise. My role requires some flexibility as new projects could come in at any time.

My department and manager are very experienced and provide support daily with my role and are very enthusiastic to support me with furthering my knowledge, responsibility and project involvement. I have been handed more responsibility since starting, but still receive support where I need it. Also personal and HR support is available from the apprentice team.

The support I receive from the university is more reactive than proactive, if I have any issues I am able to seek out support from the university, and the lecturers are happy to help out. Of recent years, we have more frequent check-ins with the university for support and progress discussions.

The content for the university course has helped to expand my knowledge of Information Systems within enterprises, programming/coding skills, networks and more areas of a business which are crucial to my role. Work has also supported with aligning placements and work projects to my university course, which helps to put theory into practice. However, I do feel I learn much more through experiences and putting knowledge into practice at work rather than university.

Yes, we have a golf society, running clubs, colleagues who play football weekly, as well as most departments having Christmas social events as well as summer social events which usually involve nice meals and some other activities such as wine tasting, go karting etc. If you share an interest in an extra curricular activity there would be no barrier to get other colleagues involved.

Yes

Pays well, the products themselves are extremely interesting and the business is continuing to expand, which provides many job opportunities in the future. The work is varied and no 2 days are the same, with many opportunities to work with other departments and other companies within the BMW group, as well as opportunities for projects to take you to work abroad.

Networkign and Communication is a key part of the success of Rolls-Royce, with all departments being interconnected and working together. You should be able to confidently expand your network within the BMW group, and be flexible to take on new projects as required. I would advise you pursue placements in different departments to make the most out of the apprenticeship, and meet as many people as possible.