Apprentice Controls Engineer Review

I complete rotational placements around the plant working with various engineering teams and departments on day-to-day work and projects. Working with maintenance engineers I help maintain the operational ability of the production lines and also complete relevant projects to improve capability and standards. I also complete work for the apprenticeship and adult training department such as events and presentations.

With my day-to-day work I am constantly able to learn and develop new skills. Drawing on the vast and varied experience of the engineers within my team I am able to use their knowledge to further my learning. Practical work at the college enabled me to gain the basic skills required to do this.

Practical work and business placements are fantastic. A very rare opportunity to get so involved in a working production facility for a respected brand such as BMW. Unique training opportunities and chances to further personal development are often available and allow you to get the most out of your time as an apprentice.

The programme follows a well thought out structure and is continually monitored, however more could be done to tailor individual programmes to get the most out of your time both for the apprentice and the company itself. Personal reviews are thorough but not frequent enough and sometimes not prioritised by line managers.

There is a fantastic level of support from line managers and department managers. Everyone is keen to see you do well and most will go out of their way to help you achieve your goals during your apprenticeship. Open communication is always available which helps you work efficiently and beneifts the company.

Training providers are often lacking in support. They don't have enough time and resources that are required for degree level tuition and as a result work does not get completed to the high standards that should be expected of a degree level student. more should be done to improve support networks given the limited time available to complete tuition.

Some of the training received is relevant and well delivered, together, along with good factilites contributes massively to performance for the company. Some training is poorly delivered and not inforced with good practice, this occurs in some key elements of the training and as a result the development of the apprentice suffers.

There are several social and extra-curricula activities that occur on a regular basis, these are often emailed out in relevant communications or signposted around the work areas and in team break areas. This provides good opportunities to get more involved in the company and with your colleagues outside of the workplace.

Yes

The BMW Group is a fantastic employer and offers many benefits that other companies do not. There is a good structure for personal development and career progression. They are only let down by the quality of their training providers and the tuition delivered at higher levels. Otherwise a fantastic company that I am proud to work for.

Try to promote your personal aptitude for the role that you are applying for. Use relevant examples from your previous experience to showcase your ability and what you can bring to the company. Research the role you are interested in and have a knowledge of the site you are applying to.