Manufacturing Engineering Technician Review

I am currently in the first year of my apprenticeship. I spend four days a week in the apprentice workshop and one day a week in the classroom. In the workshop i am learning welding, PLCs, hand fitting, milling, turning, electronics, electrical, fluid power and mechanical. In the classroom i am studying for my foundation degree learning maths, business management, materials and manufacturing processes, mechanical sciences, quality and reliability, and CAD.

I have learned many new skills in both my practical work in the apprentice workshop, and the theory work in the classroom. Each rotation in the workshop starts from the basics and covers all of the essential skills in that area. Studying for my foundation degree I have learned various new topics and expanded my knowledge on the topics I have covered previously.

I really enjoy my programme as a whole. The apprenticeship is a great balance between a working life and study. The skills I have learned have been a great help both at work and in my personal life. The working environment is great and I take pleasure in going to work everyday.

The organisation and structure of the apprenticeship has been good but could be improved. There have been multiple staffing issues with the training provider throughout the year, however these issues have now been solved. The employer has been very well organised and maintains clear communication with the apprentices about the programme.

My employer has given exceptional levels of support during my apprenticeship. We have weekly group meeting with our line manager to receive any updates from the company and discuss any concerns. Every three months we have a performance review to ensure we are on the right track and to discuss any queries. The apprentice management team are always available in person or via teams and mobile phone.

The support from my training provider has been good. This year we have experienced many interruptions in our workshop learning. There has been a shortage of staff which has resulted in lots of re-organisation on the education delivery plan. The situation has been handled well but has been inconvenient when trying to plan our learning. The foundation degree programme in the classroom has been good as we have lots of time to cover the content and learn with our tutors. As a class we have had issues with multiple assignments involving the wording of the briefs. The assignment briefs have been very vague in the actual task and the SPAG has been poor. This issue has been raised with the training provider and will hopefully be solved for the next years apprentices.

I feel that my qualification through my training provider has been beneficial to my engineering knowledge and skills. As I am only in my first year and have only been working in the apprentice training school, I can only predict how it will help me in my job role in the future. Both the practical and theory skills are related to engineering and cover a variety of topics so i believe they will be beneficial in any path I take within the company.

There are opportunities to play sports after work with other apprentices and interns. These activities are apprentice-led and take place weekly after work. There is an apprentice charity team who are working on organising social events such as a pool and darts afternoon. Hopefully these events will continue in the future. The employer is committed to supporting any ventures outside of work involving sports teams and activities.

Yes

The apprenticeship is a great alternative to university for those who are interested in a working lifestyle while studying for a degree. The employer works very closely with apprentices and gives exceptional support throughout. I am in my first year and I am really enjoying the programme so far. I am excited to continue moving forward in my career with BMW Group and keep progressing.

I would advise others to put themselves forward and take every opportunity possible. Whatever stage you are at in your education or career, always look for opportunities to improve your skills and gain experience. I believe BMW Group are focused on potential employees mindset and personality just as much as your grades. Be yourself and try your best!