Control Engineer Apprentice Review

The role of an apprentice is dependent on the current placement in which they are situated within. Arrive to work in the morning and set up for the day ahead. This may include meetings with management and other technicians to see how the previous shift operated. If any jobs need doing, they will be planned and assigned.

The way in which the company operates, is based off of acquiring new skills. Every single job that is completed creates an opportunity to learn and to expand on practical and theoretical knowledge. The practical skills are developed during real time machine operation so the training feels tailored and faults that appear are complete random which helps with problem solving.

The programme is very well structured, as a Level 6 control engineer apprentice; you aren't just assigned a constant role within the controls background. There is a new placement every 3 months and this can vary from physical structure development as well as PLC and Coding training which is used on the production line.

Structure is important, especially when it comes down to management and employees. everyone is treated well and breaks are arranged accordingly. Maintenance control leaders are constantly trying to improve processes on the line so that production operatives can work comfortably and to a high standard. Overall this is a good part of the organization.

When starting the apprenticeship, we are assigned a mentor who supports us through the time during the course. This is done with regular meetings, reviews and activities which occur every month. They are also very understanding of important situations and will do what is right when requested. Extra training is also provided.

In terms of the qualifications, in this case a foundation degree which leads into a full degree. The learning is conducted externally through BCU and the local college. The level of support is lacking in some areas but this isn't an issue regarding BMW. The company has help improve the overall experience.

The qualification helps massively when learning at work, it gives you all the underpinning knowledge and understanding of electrical principles and how they working within systems that operate the production line. Research projects are also very interesting as its an opportunity to expand your knowledge in a specific field within the engineering environment.

Due to Covid there haven't been many organized activities since lockdown but opportunities are starting to become available. Because of the BMW Golf brand, we do have subsidized access to the local Belfry golf club which is a good option for sport, they also organize football games a few times a month.

Yes

The experience and opportunities that I have been apart of in the last two years has been fantastic, I can honestly say that you wouldn't get the same experience as you would during a traditional university student. the work can be challenging at times but its more of a motivation to progress and succeed.

Ensure to do as much research into the company as possible, its important to understand the brand that you will be working for. Make sure its what you want to do. I f you enjoy engineering, seeing and understanding how things work then this is the apprenticeship for you. Ensure to talk about your past goals and future plans.