Maintanace Technitian Review

As a year one ''mature apprentice'' I am currently spending two days a week in the classroom Studying Btech math, electrical engineering, health and safety and communication. Remaining 3 days a week are spent in the workshop, learning welding, electrical installation, machining, pneumatics, PLC (programmable logic controllers) etc. It’s very rewarding and I would recommend to anyone who is interested in robotics and technology.

I did learn a lot and what was most unexpected how comprehensive the whole course is. Sometimes I was worried I will not be able to understand and take all information’s we were getting but in the end it all clicked and when all pieces added together you actually understand everything and remember everything partly thanks to excellent teachers we have, and the way the course is structured that all pieces fall together in the right time and it suddenly makes sense in the end. We also have the option to take extra classes for those who excel and want to learn more and for those who lag behind and need some extra time so every individual is supported in their needs to achieve their full potential.

I enjoy this programme very much. Especially because it’s very comprehensive course and we learn so many different things that we never get bored. Also working for leading automotive car manufacturer gives us a chance to work with state of the art equipment you won’t meet anywhere else. The ''toys'' we are allowed to ''play'' with are sometimes so new that they haven’t been fully introduced to the market. And our workshop is constantly improved and incredible money being spend on all new equipment. Whole process works on the basis that we as students are having a say in what will be ordered. For example we were taken to exhibition event in Birmingham, we liked some new high tech equipment, and we took pictures and technical documentation to make presentation for our teachers and BMW executives. Then we did explain to them why we want this new equipment. We expect now this new state of the art industrial 3D printers to arrive any day.

Our course is very well structured, so we never get bored. Individual modules doesn’t take too long to ensure we would not get bored or lose attention. Once you learn one thing, other one, even more exciting thing is waiting to be learn. This keeps us continuously excited. Also all modules are set in a way that helps to remember and understand the topic. If you finish one module and you still feel like you are not 100% sure how to use it and why you learn it then in next module you need it and you suddenly know why it was taught and why in this order. It all makes more sense every day.

Our employer is supporting us with all necessary equipment. They also pay for extra courses if needed. All apprentices are also eligible to sign up for company car scheme. This is very interesting especially because car scheme includes insurance and for many 18 years old students is this the only way to drive the brand new BMW or MINI car and pay less than they would be paying for an insurance alone for their private car as the price is heavily subsidised by our employer. There are other perks and discounts for BMW employees that it’s hard no name them all.

We are getting maximum support from all our tutors. Our training facility is placed directly in the employer facility which allows unique opportunity to all parts cooperate more efficiently. BMW managers and our training facility staff have daily interaction and weekly meetings to ensure all aspects of our training is as it should be. Also if any additional materials are needed they can tapped in to the BMW resources and give us anything we need. It’s clear that every member of the staff has the goal, which is all of us to succeed. They always give us all additional trainings or materials we require.

Well without this qualification Without this qualification we wouldn’t be able to work as a Mechatronic maintenance technician at all. This qualification gives us the opportunity to work on: Electrical installations and testing Machining (lathes, milling, drills, grinders) Welding PLC Working in Heights Cad designing Robot cells maintenance work Hydraulic and pneumatic systems All this and much more we are now allowed to do with this qualification. People without similar relevant qualification are not even permitted to the areas where we work, so this course is absolutely essential to our future role.

We do organise or participate in charity events. We also have a football team with matches organised on weekly basis. There are many opportunities to get involved outside the school for anything really. We do go to professional networking events as part of the school curriculum. BMW health initiative organise events all over the year so it’s up to students to just sign up and join.

Yes

Because BMW is a world leader in automotive industry and gives you the opportunity of progress and continuous learning no matter the age, gender or background. This environment is incredibly diverse with opportunity to work all over the world. BMW is also focused on future with Industry 4.0 initiative, so we will stay on the top in innovation, always one step ahead of our competitors.

BMW is constantly rated as one of the best automakers in the world thanks to the drive for the excellence and the same is what they expect from new each new generation of apprentices. Work hard on your GCSE’s or A-levels and focus on the mathematics as it’s behind everything. Apart from that be honest and be yourself.