Maintenance apprentice Review

I am currently in my first year of apprenticeship working full time in the training school. I spend majority of my time with the training providers working on a level 3 BTEC one day a week as well as working on developing and learning practical skills the rest of the week. These skills will be used later when I move into the business.

I have learnt lots of new skills, these include learning how to weld, how to use a milling machine, turning skills, electrical wiring principles and how consumer units work. we also learnt mechanical and maintenance skills. I have also developed knowledge in my BTEC, i have already completed a BTEC so doing this one reinforces skills and information previously taught.

I think the program has ups and downs, the training can be fun but it can also be a bit repetitive. The tutor has the ability to make it super interesting and are provided with the resources to do so. So far I have enjoyed the program overall as I am learning lots of new skills and i have a good group around me to work with

there is a lack of communication as to where we are within the program. We are told we are behind but there is no catch up plan or any information as to how far behind we are. There were not enough tutors at the beginning and has only just been rectified now, 6 months in. some of the tutors also don't seem fussed with the program and are happy to just sit there and let it trundle through slowly.

I believe there is support from the employer, but could be more. we have an in-dialogue once a month however this includes years 1 - 3 on teams. it would be better to do individual years, in person giving more in-depth support and communication. there is an open door policy however meaning we can raise any concerns immediately and meet with BMW any time.

support from the training provider has been poor. Despite having a contract to fulfill, they are more interested ion profit and saving money as possible, this means not employing enough tutors and overworking the ones they have. Refusal to buy materials for training or equipment for us to complete the training program doesn't help and has possible led to us being behind.

I think the qualifications help us in the future as it teaches us the skills we need to complete the tasks. The practical qualification has been tailored to teach us the skills we will be using in future. the BTEC is there to teach us some theory we may also need on the job.

whilst there previously have been lots of extra-curricular activities, COVID has put a stop to it. There have still been some fun days however, including an activity workshop day, in-depth tours of the different technologies used within BMW Oxford. There are also future plans for more tours of other plants within BMW as well as potentially international trips manufacturing plants within BMW

Yes

Whilst first year isn't the best (mainly due to training provider) there has been promise and I believe second year and onwards, it will be a great apprenticeship. when working with BMW employees it is well structured, engaging and fun. There is also great opportunities throughout the apprenticeship, like potential to work in Germany or USA for a while as well as great networking opportunities.

I believe my apprenticeship within BMW group is perfect for anyone with a passion for engineering. I would advise completing an engineering project you are passionate and confident about as this will help you massively in the interview procedure. I would also suggest put the work in on a CV and find a good person for a reference. This is a great apprenticeship and opportunity and will help further an amazing career in engineering.