Maintenance Technician Review

I am employed as an apprentice maintenance technician. Maintenance technicians at BMW are likely to conduct routine inspections, repairs, and PPM’s (planned preventative maintenance). This is to ensure optimal performance of machinery, and minimised downtimes. It is our responsibility as maintenance technicians to troubleshoot issues, replace worn parts, and document maintenance activities in accordance with safety regulations.

My training provider has put me through a course in advanced manufacturing engineering. During which, I have learnt new skills such as assembling and maintaining equipment in areas such as electrics, hydraulics, and pneumatics. I have also enhanced pre-existing skills such as teamwork, methodical thinking, leadership and communication. The skills I have learnt are not just limited to my job role, I now have extensive knowledge in other subject areas, such as health & safety, mechanical principles, electronic devices, and engineering materials.

I enjoy my course to a large extent. It is mostly a hands-on course and requires lots of practical assessments which I find more preferable than written exams. I feel as though I am given a lot of freedom to try and solve issues as I can approach tasks in a variety of ways.

The course is professionally laid out, and I am well aware of what qualifications I will attain throughout my apprenticeship and what is expected of me to achieve this. My college course is also laid out professionally, and I am able to keep track of my units using a folder. Despite this, it can be a little unorganised at times in that we are not always aware of what unit we are completing next, and it can take a substantial amount of time for us to receive our timetables.

Our employer has a designated apprentice manager, who we have meetings with on a regular basis as a chance for us to raise any concerns we have. These concerns are always addressed in a reasonable way. The purpose of this is to help make our experience as positive as possible.

Our training provider uses qualified tutors to provide all the knowledge and skills that we need in order to achieve our qualifications. Many of them are passionate about their subject areas, and are always looking to challenge us whilst ensuring that we meet any deadlines that are asked of us.

I believe that a large majority of skills that I learn through my training provider are transferable to my work place. For example, I have learnt many fault diagnostic skills, aswell as learning how to calibrate and use testing equipment. Also, I am now more familiar with the different types of tools and can also complete risk assessments to ensure safe working practices.

When I was first employed at BMW, myself and the other apprentices went on a team building excursion for 3 nights provided by our employer. We participated in physical activities such as rafting, tunnelling and orienteering so that we could better work as a team. BMW also allow for people to get involved with things such as charity work.

Yes

I would recommend BMW Group as a positive environment to work in. You will receive countless opportunities to try new things and develop new skills. BMW Group as an employer will always listen to any ideas you put forward and do their best to implement them. They also provide a competitive salary and other incentives.

The best advice I would give to others applying to BMW Group is to show an eagerness to learn new things by having the confidence to ask lots of questions. It would also be very beneficial to familiarise yourself with BMW Group as a company, including our culture, and our core values.