Toolmaker apprentice Review

I am currently in my second year so I am at college one day a week, working towards a level 3 diploma in advanced engineering and manufacturing. As well as this I am completing an NVQ. The rest of the week is spent in an on site placement where I am learning all the skills I need to be a Toolmaker.

I have learnt many new skills whilst in my placement at work such as grinding, using machinery, maintaining tools as well as developed existing skills. There is a good range of high quality equipment, tools and materials available that we use in order to complete my qualifications as well as gain important knowledge.

I have enjoyed every part of the programme so far. As well as learning new skills at work and college, we have been given other opportunities including a week residential in Devon when we started, to meet all the new apprentices and learn about the company. Other opportunities we are given include charity events and the mountain challenge.

The apprenticeship is very well organised; if we ever have any issues, they a quick to come up with a resolution and keep us updated when there are changes. The four years is structured so that we make the most out of the apprenticeship and learn all the skills we need.

BMW is constantly making sure that we are coping with the workload and understand all the new skills and knowledge that we learn. Every week we have a meeting to discuss what we have learnt and if we have faced any issues. This helps keep me motivated to complete work quickly and efficiently.

Without the qualifications I have gained so far at college, I would have no knowledge of how to use common tools and equipment at work. As well as this, these qualifications give me a good understanding of how the business is run and how I should present myself in the work area on plant.

We have been given many opportunities including a week long residential in Devon to meet all the new apprentices and learn about the company. Other opportunities we are given include charity events and the mountain challenge, where teams compete to reach checkpoints in rural areas such as Snowdonia and Dartmoor. I am also part of the UK newsletter and charity team which I enjoy getting involved in.

Yes

BMW Group ensures that all their apprentices are well looked after by giving them all the training they need to work on plant. As well as this, we are given opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities and other opportunities that can be used to help further our careers in the future.

If you are applying to BMW Group, ensure that you have a good knowledge of the company including its history, the different plants and what they produce. As well as this, it is important to have hobbies or regularly participate in activities that show you have a genuine interest in engineering.