Sewing Apprentice Review

by BMW Group

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Shadowing colleagues in the different areas of the Leathershop for 2 months at a time. Completing projects set by managers such as products for the assembly line or decorative items.

6/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Sewing machine skills have improved, learnt about other industrial machines used in manufacture as well as covering/upholstery.

6/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It depends which placement area you are in as to enjoyment levels as some apprentices prefer partcular areas more than others. Its personal experience and preferences.

6/10

4. How valued do you feel by BMW Group?

Apprentices do not really make up the work force so at times you do feel a bit like a spare part but doing the projects makes you feel more valued.

4/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

You do have to organise your own time to a certain degree and keep on top of managers about where you're supposed to be. The structure is there but you also have to take responsibility for following it.

5/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

The college does a very good job. It is well structured and I enjoy the course even though it would not have been my first choice of qualification area.

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

The support is there if you need it and push for it but it isnt handed to you on a plate. You have to take responsibility for getting the support if you want it.

5/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

The salary is generous for an apprenticeship. We now also have a budget for college which doesnt cover all materials but is better than nothing!

8/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Personally I have not experienced many opportunites outside of work but other apprentices have. If there is an event coming up then you may be lucky but it is not guaranteed.

6/10

9. Would you recommend BMW Group to a friend?

9b. Why?

The work is factory work i.e. repetitive and done to time. If you dont mind that then it would be a good place to work but personally it is not for me.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group?

Show that you have passion and drive as well as being able to understand instructions very clearly, and follow them to the letter. The work is all about following the standard process so you need to demonstrate you can do that whilst also coming up with ideas for improving the process.