Manufacturing Engineering Review

I am a second year innovation and digitialisation logistics apprentice, taking a manufacturing engineering degree apprenticeship at plant Hams Hall. After our first year at a local college where we undertook a practical skills course, we now work at the plant full-time. In my cohort of apprentices, we all have greatly varying responsibilities and workloads - from maintenance in our machining basement; to scientific analysis in our lab; to developing emerging technologies for the future.
Since joining Hams Hall, my day-to-day responsibilities have included a variety of tasks. Primarily, I developed a technology which has now become a core focus of our team, and has provided many opportunities for myself, such as going to attend a management forum in Munich.

Overall, our apprenticeship is organised and well structured. BMW and more specifically our manager is supportive and communicative, with all steps from the initial application/interview process, to our futures at the plant.
The only problems with organisation were in the first year with our training provider. Things at the college could often taken on a temporary, immediate basis, instead of being planned in advance.

We are able to contact our manager at any time with problems we may have. He is always understanding and supportive. HR and other departments within the company (such as the car scheme) have also always been very quick and helpful in resolving queries.
In general within the team, I could not be supported and encouraged any better.

Our lecturers have always been supportive and helpful at college. They are knowledgeable in their field and usually willing to answer questions and assist when needed. We also complete regular reviews to summarise progress, which can be seen by our employer.
As already mentioned though, sometimes support and urgency can lack at the college, where we are not informed of things in advance.

Our training has been very varied and all-encompassing which does not restrict us and enables a range of job roles. This is important as a specific role is not chosen for you, you instead flow into an available place which suits your strengths and will be most beneficial for the company. I feel my qualifications will provide solid background knowledge for my career.

Yes

Working for the BMW Group, and more specifically Hams Hall, is a very positive, valuable experience.
From the product itself, to the work I am involved in, to the benefits and opportunities it includes, to the supportive and capable team - I could not ask for more and would highly recommend it to anyone.