Logistics Apprentice Review

My day-to-day role is to help contribute towards various projects around Logistics. Some of these projects are very technical and require lots and lots of software knowledge, whereas some are much more basic, however these basic projects require a lot of planning in order to be completed to a high standard.

During my current placement, I have gained knowledge and understanding in various different areas. I have learnt about all delivery methods within the factory, as well as how to use the basics of the software behind all of this. I have also learnt how to successfully run projects and deliver them successfully.

I am thoroughly enjoying my time here at BMW. I feel that I have integrated well within the team and am involved in discussions around the office. I like the fact that I am learning whilst working, so I am able to learn on the job, helping the knowledge stay with me for longer.

My apprentice placement programme is very well structured, as I have a clear outline of all of my placements until the end of the apprenticeship. Whilst these are not set in stone and could potentially change, it is good to have a rough guide of the work I will be doing.

I receive lots of support from BMW in the form of placement managers and mentors, and also from work colleagues. If I ever have any concerns about my work, there are plenty of people I can approach within the business who can help me. Being a logistics apprentice means that you meet lots of different people from all over the business.

We spend one day a week with our training provider, where we mostly independently complete our work. We occasionally receive support from lecturers, but this often is not the best of help. We are expected to learn the content ourselves and complete our assignments throughout the year. Lecturers are able to offer support when asked.

My qualification is very general to the manufacturing world, meaning that it covers all types of topics within BMW, from mathematics to project management. I find the project management and business improvement techniques modules particularly useful, as this helps myself (as an apprentice) come across professionally when coordinating projects in the workplace.

There are a small group of apprentices and interns at BMW who have organised their own weekly 5-aside football game which I am a part of. It has been good to be a part of this group, so that I am able to build relationships with other young people within BMW.

Yes

BMW offer a very good apprenticeship, where apprentices are valued team members in the workforce. As an apprentice you are included wherever possible and colleagues always make the effort to make sure you are learning everything you need to. It is also great to be able to study towards a degree whilst working.

If I were to offer advice to someone applying for an apprenticeship at BMW, I would suggest that you gain as much experience as possible in a work environment before you apply, no matter if it is engineering related or not. I found that it is very important to appear professional and willing to learn.