Tool Maker Review

Item: Tool Maker at BMW Group UK
Rating: 4.7
Author: Anonymous

at BMW Group UK

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Swindon SN5 8WG, UK

Review Submitted: April 2023

Overall Rating

4.7 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4.5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

Being a tool maker means we are responsible for the condition that the dyes are run in within the press. Our role is maintaining them, cleaning them, sharpening them or replacing damaged parts. If an issue occurs where a faulty panel is produced, it is our responsibility to correct this within the dye.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

The programme has helped me integrate more with team skills and has given me so many opportunities to try new things as an apprentice from learning different CAD programmes to using advanced 3D printing equipment. In addition, we get the opportunity to experiment what works and what does not with the various equipment we work with.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

There have been many new skills learnt and skills enhanced, this includes how to use CNC machines, a wide range of pneumatic tools, and even how to use more enhanced pieces of equipment such as radial arms drills. These skills are not just on the equipment but also the dyes themselves as we learn how to take care of each of the different dyes in different ways.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

The programme is very well organised and we are frequently put on various training courses to better help us with our day to day work. From crane training to welding courses, this structure helps get us qualified for all areas we may work in. In addition, we frequently get coaches to help ensure we are on track.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

Our employer gives us as much support as we need, if we need time to progress academically we can request and are usually granted it. If we need a specific job for our placement goal then we can request it for when the opportunity arrives. They ensure that we can complete everything we are set.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

For our qualifications such as college work or NVQ work, we usually get Fridays off to type the reports up. In addition to our NVQ work, if we request specific jobs we can be notified when those jobs have come in to collect the evidence we need for our NVQ.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

The qualification unfortunately is more in general engineering when it comes to the college work so does not always offer as much help other than the basics, however the NVQ focuses more on our job roles and definitely helps us benefit by expanding upon the knowledge we collected through work.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

4/5

There are frequent challenges that our charity group come up with to get everyone involved in socials, these can include Christmas parties, quizzes, or exchange programs where you could end up working at one of our external plants learning how their techniques may differ from our own.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Because out of all the possible working environment none help you to achieve the goals you need to like BMW, everyone is happy to help, they are sociable, there are many company schemes to help better your personal lives and the pay is great. If the opportunity arrives within BMW and you love engineering in any field take the chance and apply.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?

Take a chance with any field of engineering. Even if you are not sure about tool making there is always the opportunity to move around within the company structure, positions open up frequently and there is always encouragement to move up the corporate ladder. All you need is the right enthusiasm and relatively decent grades and you have a chance.

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