Controls Apprentice Review

Day-to-day work is always different unless working on a set project. The variation brings new challenges and allows for new skills to be achieved through working in a productive and efficient manner to reach internal deadlines. This can be both practical and software based work so it is a good blend of both.

Many skills have been learnt through the programme so far. These include the likes of PLC programming languages such as ladder logic and SCL code. Coupled with the access to Siemens training rigs, fault finding exercises are great ways of understanding how a system has faulted out and gives good practice for actual breakdowns.

The placement change within the company is a good way to find what you do and do not enjoy in day-to-day life whilst at work. The variation allows for new skills to blend into different placements, which makes you a more well-rounded individual when dealing with issues.

The educational aspect of the apprenticeship is very structured, as they have to follow the official plan of any college or university study plan. The workplace programme is also very structured. Tasks are often issued to individuals with completion dates also assigned which allows you to keep track of what requires work.

Employer support is very good, as an apprentice it is normal not to know what to do in certain cases and situations. This is where experience is key. If you can find someone who works in the field in which you are having issues in then they are more than happy to teach.

Training by the education provider is sometimes lacking in the quality department. A lot of work ends up being self taught / researched as the lecturers have not delivered a session that provides the right detail of work or does not cover the fundamental principles of what the lesson is about.

The blend of both academia and the practical aspect of working full-time is a great way to really put your studies into action and see how they work in the real world. Experiences in the workplace, potentially project related can help benefit qualification write ups when doing assignment dissertations.

Social events do occur but they are usually organised outside of the business. They are also usually departmental and dependent on where you are stationed. External activities would be better if arranged by the company and if they supplied days of team building. This is something to look out for in the future.

Yes

BMW as a whole have provided an excellent experience so far in terms of placements, and education. The opportunities are all there, they just have to be taken, which allows people with a willing attitude to succeed. Although I have not finished the apprenticeship as of yet, the last three years of employment have been fantastic.

Having a good attuite towards people and challenges is sometimes worth more than high level qualifications. Being able to understand something and applying it to either a software or hardware based issue is more valuable then just understanding the theory. Opportunities come for those who work hard within the company.