Engineer Tech Apprentice Review

I am a second year Engineering Tech apprentice. I started my placements this year and am destined for the chassis and powertrain validation department. This department is responsible for the static and dynamic validation of engines, gearbox, wheels and tyres and suspension. On a day to day basis I can find myself being involved with static suspension and wheel alignment to test the vmax of a vehicle or testing prototype parts.

I completed a workshop course last year and am currently studying a mechanical engineering degree through Oxford Brookes University whilst working at the same time. I have also recently been selected for training in working with vehicles with Electric systems in preparation for the electric mini. I have also gained a vast amount of knowledge of how the business works across the past year.

In general it is a very enjoyable programme. The apprentice team is great and you are made to feel welcome in the different departments across the business and are given good projects to get involved with. Generally feedback on work is prompt and lecturers are helpful

Bmw places quite a lot of importance on apprentices and as such there is always a good environment created. Managers generally show appreciation when a job is done well. There are lots of associated benefits within the company as well which adds to the benefit of working for them.

The programme structure is ok, due to recent changes in the programme there is a bit of direction missing in regards to NVQ requirements. In terms of support, it is always available you just have to ask for it. If it is spotted that you are struggling extra help is offered as well as your peers supporting you. Time is always allowed to work on studying which is a great help.

The university is always able to help through email or face to face. I had a medical issue that prevented me from sitting an exam around January. This was handled exceptionally well by the university staff and a plan was quickly put in place to find a solution that worked. I am always made to feel prepared for exams due to the high level of teaching provided. One module of our course is a little bit less well taught but still to an ok level.

Apprentice managers are very helpful with sorting out any issues you may have. Department managers are also generally helpful and some do even go out of their way to try and provide extra opportunities for you. There is a good range of services and support on site should you need it. The attitude is always that any issue can be sorted out if it makes the apprenticeship or your own situation easier.

I am still living at home but looking to move much closer to work due to a 40 mile commute each way. So currently I have a low living cost but high travel cost. Living costs are quite high in Oxford compared to a lot of other places. To be paid a bit more would be useful to help offset these higher costs, however the pay is well structured and providing you meet your targets you do get a pay rise every 6 months. The starting salary is a bit low compared to competitors but quickly goes up to the same level. Maybe an increase of pay or deal with a local accomodation provider to make more affordable rates would be helpful

Department run events are generally quite good and if you are with the department for a while or its your home department you are generally invited along. There is the option of helping with the plant race team and occasional apprentice events, however these are generally organised between apprentices. BMW also runs an annual mountain challenge with its own apprentice competition within it.

Yes

I believe the overall package offered is very good. The ability to get a degree without paying, earn at the same time and work in a field that really interests me is what made me apply and I'm still very happy with that decision.

Don't be put off if you don't hear anything back for a while during the application process you will hear from them. On the interviews, you are made to feel really relaxed and they help to get the best out of you. Show your passion and what is unique about you that makes you fit the job. After joining you start with a week residential to get to know each other which is quite fun