Maintenance Apprentice Review

From day to day I am expected to observe and assist trained professionals carry out maintenance engineering tasks, alongside completing maintenance jobs by myself. I am then expected to write up alongside the job a logbook explaining the key points of the task. These maintenance tasks are to be carried out in one of the 12 week rotations in one of the 3 main technologies out in Plant Oxford.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have developed and acquired a wide variety of skills. These skills will be fundamental in my role in the business and can be used outside of work as well. I have been developing skills designed to enable me to become a useful member of the maintenance team.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program is tailored to challenge myself in many ways. I enjoy the day to day work that I am tasks to do which consist of shadowing and assisting trained professionals which carry out maintenance engineering tasks, alongside completing maintenance jobs by myself. In addition to these tasks I enjoy the many different learning opportunities that I have the option of doing which are not directly linked with the job role.

The apprenticeship program at BMW is very well structured. We are set target from an early stage and are given help along the way to enable us to complete the targets to the best of our ability. Throughout my apprenticeship I new exactly what was expected of me with any changes clearly communicated.

I receive a great amount of support from my employer when it comes to the completion of both college and work tasks. My employer frequently checks that I am meeting that targets required and how comfortable I am at meeting the targets. They are more than willing and accommodating to support me through my apprenticeship when there support is required.

Throughout my training my tutors provided by my training adviser have been extremely helpful in the support me and my fellow apprentices have received which has enabled us to complete our assignments. Most of the direct support received have been through the tutors and not the training provider themselves. Having said that the training provider is quick to respond, to improve on the issues stated by us.

The qualification through my training provider has given me the essential theory based knowledge which allows us to really develop into our job role out on site. Although the specific theory based training is not used as much as the practical training that was provided. Both types of training were used are essential for a maintenance engineer to be familiar with.

There are many extra curricular activities that are provided by the company. These mainly consist of apprentice run teams for example the newsletter team and the charity champions team. there are also many social activities that happen outside of work these consist of sports, activities and nights out. The company also provide you with extra curricular opportunities ranging from working abroad to partaking in projects.

Yes

My experience with the BMW group has been outstanding. There are many opportunities that are given to apprentices that allow you develop personal skills and working skills that will be used for life. There are many perks of working for the company like the company car scheme which apprentices have access to from day 1

When applying for the BMW group apprenticeships ensure that you focus on key opportunities and experience that you have been able to partake in and how these have impacted you and any potential lessons learned that the employer would be interested in. Also ensure that you have as much engagement with the company at career events as possible.