Maintenance Technician Apprentice Review

At BMW Group, I work with maintenance engineers for the second year of my apprenticeship programme. We participate in placements in the different areas around the plant in Oxford and learn on-the-go with maintenance activities, breakdowns, meetings etc. We also do maintenance activities and write up about them in logbooks. This needs to be done multiple times in each placement.

I have learnt some new skills, but have most definitely developed on existing skills. For example, I have developed on my general hand-skills as I have been using this skill on a daily basis. I have also learnt how to use new machinery, such as a 3D Printer, a Lathe, a Milling machine etc.

I enjoy the current apprenticeship programme in place at the Oxford Plant. I think it is set out well and beneficial for the development of apprentices and sets them up in a positive way for their potential future job role. It also gives them a great insight to what it will be like and how other former apprentices have found it.

The organisation of the apprenticeship programme is very good. I like how we have placements all around the plant. That way, there are no real surprises when it comes to your final placement, as you have been there before and know roughly what it is like. I think the time frame of the Placements (12 weeks) is enough time to really get a feel for the area and understand how it runs.

The support we receive from the employer is second to none. There are no concerns that I have with anything as I know how well my employer cares for everybody in the workplace. There is no question that is stupid to ask and it really gives a good impression on working for BMW Group.

My training provider will always be there if I ever need help with any of my assignments or work activities. Whenever I feel stuck or confused, I have no worries asking them until I completely understand. That is also what they are there for and it is done extremely well.

I know that my qualification will directly apply to my job role and help me develop my skills whilst also being on the job. It is really hard to say exactly how much, but with my placements, I have seen parts of the role that benefit from training provider qualifications.

At BMW Group, we have social and sporting events put forward quite regularly which involves everyone. The Charity Champions team run charity events that everyone can get involved in. There are always fun events like quizzes, sporting activities, coffee and cake sales. This brings everyone together at once which helps everybody with their networking and general social needs.

Yes

I have always been an admirer of the BMW Brand. The brand image and name that BMW Group gives off is that it is a satisfying place to work, something that I would recommend to anyone with interests in our line of work. There are many perks to working for BMW Group that cannot be the same elsewhere.

I would enthuse everybody applying to BMW Group to be confident, and be yourself. Ensure that you apply yourself properly and show interest in the company. I would also say to take in the application process, it is a very big thing applying for an apprenticeship that could just be your lifelong career. Ensure that you are well prepared and always be yourself.