Toolmaker Review

On a day-to-day basis I go to college where I learn a lot in preparation for when I will be working at BMW full time. This includes things from theory work like calculations we may need to use to practical work similar to jobs we may end up doing in the work place.

Thus far I have earned myself a functional skills qualification which included me developing my computer skills. I have also learned a lot of new skills such as drilling, turning, milling, how to safely work with electricity and how to efficiently make a pneumatic or hydraulic system. I have also gained a lot of skills in working as a team and taking on a leadership role.

I enjoy the work we do a lot especially the practicals as it allows me to develop skills I never imagined I could have. I enjoy working with my team a lot because we are all very different but we all get along very well. The programme has so far exceeded my expectations although there is a lot of work knowing what I'm working towards makes it worth it.

My programme is very well organised as it has managed to pass through the complications in which arose due to lockdown and has managed to build a working system for us to still be able to do our work from home. Also, we regularly have meetings to discuss any issues we are having and how well we are doing.

Our manager keeps in contact with us so that if any problems are to arise at any point then we can report them to her and she will straight away attempt to help us in anyway possible. We also receive support from the manager of all UK apprentices as he makes appearances regularly at meetings that we have to keep us informed.

Our tutor supports us thoroughly with any questions we have on the work we're doing. They do not hesitate to try and solve issues we have at college so that we can have the best experience possible. Support is always accessible to us amongst our tutors. We are guided through our problems appropriately so that we do actually learn.

My qualification allows me to have the knowledge to understand and work through a job with minimal guidance. This qualification allows us to learn more about the operations that we will be partaking in at work. Thus far I have learned a lot about cars and how the company makes them and how we will fit into this process.

At work we are able to get involved in many different events. For example every year we can partake in the mountain challenge where we go camping and hiking for a weekend. We are also able to partake in events at schools where we can speak about the apprenticeship and what we've experienced so far.

Yes

BMW as a company has a very positive energy and everyone who works there is very nice. We all work together to achieve the best that we can. Everyone is willing to help one another out and give useful advice whilst also doing interesting practical work where you will be put into a team that will fit your strengths and weaknesses well.

For others applying to BMW group I would tell them not to worry too much. Everyone here will treat them with kindness. The interviews are what I thought would be the most daunting but they weren't. The people interviewing you will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible so just relax and do your best because that's all that can be expected of you.