Lab Technician Review

My job role is an Apprentice Lab Technician as part of the Material and Process Analysis Team at BMW Group Plant Hams Hall. At the moment, I am in my first year of the apprenticeship where I am a student at James Watt College. At the college, my week usually consists of learning new skills and earning level 2 qualifications in units which cover: operating milling machines and lathes, bench fitting, fluid power and PLCs. One day within the week is dedicated to the level 6 degree where 3 modules are to be completed for each semester.

I have learnt various skills so far in the first year of my apprenticeship. My practical skills in relation to engineering have improved significantly through my ability to use various machinery, produce an item which falls within tolerance, build circuitry and to fault find different systems, whether they are electrical, or fluid powered. I feel more confident as a result and have a good foundation of skills to apply when I begin working more frequently at the BMW plant.

I am satisfied with how the course has been at James Watt College so far. I am happy with how much I have developed since the apprenticeship began and have good relationships with my tutors and peers. I find the units I am learning interesting and feel they are all applicable, or benefit in some way for when I complete my apprenticeship and become a fully qualified employee. I am looking forward to beginning the next year of my programme where the majority of the week will be spent at the plant where I can apply all these skills into real-life scenarios.

I am very happy with the way in which the induction for the apprenticeship was organised at BMW Plant Hams Hall. The induction made me feel comfortable in the new environment at the plant and gave me confidence around my fellow apprentices. I am happy with the communication with my employer whilst I have been studying at the college. However, I feel the training provider initially could have given more notice on what we will be doing in the week and be more transparent on their plans for the course.

I have lots of support from my employer. My manager regularly visits the college and makes sure we are all okay and on track with the course. He also keeps us up to date with the performance at the plant, and reminds us of the resources around us if we have any issues. These visits from our manager and the weekly updates at the plant which are emailed to us on our work laptops are what makes us feel like we are part of what is happening at Hams Hall.

I have been given an adequate amount of training from my training provider and receive plenty of support from my tutors. If I struggle to understand, I feel I can talk to any of my tutors for assistance. Initially, the college could have been more responsive with our course timetables but that has now been resolved.

My qualification will be essential for me to perform better in my role as a lab technician. The level 6 qualification gives me an understanding of engineering beyond a practical level. It will enable me to understand both the chemical and physical properties of different components which is a requirement in my job role. The level 2 units we are completing are just as important as they give me practical skills which can make me a more competent and confident worker in the plant.

During our induction, all the new apprentices were involved in different team-building exercises which instilled confidence into us as a group. These exercises helped us to get to know each other and the different hobbies we all had to find what we had in common. This helped us find what we could arrange for social activities outside of work. Once we begin our first placement at the plant in the second year, there will be different sports teams and social activities to get involved with.

Yes

It is a highly respected company which offers vast opportunities for personal development and career growth. The company offer various placements for their apprentices which allows them to develop skills from a wide range of sectors within the business. There are many other benefits such as holidays, the company car scheme and qualifications.

During the application process, you should be fully honest with what you hope to get out of the apprenticeship. This helps both you and the company determine whether a role suits your skills and interests and if you would be more suitable for a different role. You should do plenty of research on the company to prepare for an interview and show that you are determined to become an apprentice. Be clear on any skills, hobbies, qualifications and experience you have that align with the job role you are applying for.