Toolmaker Apprentice Review

I currently work on a fitting section in the press shop. My daily routine includes carrying out scheduled maintenance on dies, repairing any that are damaged, as well as responding to breakdowns. I improve on all my skills as well as learn new ones everyday including grinding, stoning and welding.

I have learned many new skills including how to MIG and TIG weld, use different forms of grinders and disc cutters as well as stoning techniques. I have also learnt how to diagnose problems and fix them using the appropriate procedure, along with other helpful toolmaking skills. I have also improved my general engineering knowledge.

I really enjoy coming into work and learning on the job as it gives me a good understanding for when I finish my apprenticeship and am not thrown in the dark. I have good support from my mentors/colleagues who help me with my work and make learning much easier and enjoyable.

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.

My NVQ assessor visits every couple of weeks to ensure that I am up to date on my work, as well as give the guidance I need to complete the qualification. I get feedback for every piece of work that I hand in to ensure that it meets the necessary requirements.

At college I learnt a lot of information that would help in a general engineering environment although it is not specific to toolmaking. My qualification would help me advance my career in the future but not necessarily help me perform better in my role. It would be good if there were more toolmaking related topics in college, especially in the first year.

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 a technician on the OX4Racing team, which involves helping run a race car for the season.

Yes

Had I not been given the opportunity to take this apprenticeship I would either be stuck in university with debt and no work experience or still contemplating which career I want to pursue. BMW Group has given me so many opportunities so far that have helped me figure out what I want to do and I know I will have a job as well as qualifications at the end of it.

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. Make sure you try your best to stand out by doing engineering based extra-curricular activities such as fixing up a car, making something from scratch or work experience. By already having some engineering skills you will have a massive benefit as work will be much easier to understand. If you want an apprenticeship that pays well, has good opportunities and qualifications then I definitely recommend applying.