Manufacturing Engineer Review

My job with BMW is very unique and specific, which has both its positives and negatives. One day I am doing software development, the next attending meetings all day, giving tours, presenting to board members - the list goes on. Traditionally, I focus on innovation and digitalisation, whereby we develop new technologies for the plant and push the cutting edge for the business.

Organisation and structure can vary depending on when, where, and who. I'm also unable to compare with other companies.
Generally speaking however, things are well organised, and the structure of the apprenticeship works well.
Things are very flexible, and every apprentice that joins the plant takes a very different journey with different experiences, both positive and negative. The essentials are handled, and you always have support where needed.
The training provider we had, and some occasions (such as an international placement I will be going on this year) have been really disorganised, and much more complicated and messy than needed. However this is always expected to an extent, and does very much depend on certain teams and individuals.

Again this is very dependant on teams and individuals within the business. Depending on who your manager is, the team your in, and the work that you do - you'll receive different levels of support and engagement.
Generally though, people are very supportive, and when I first joined BMW I was surprised at the level of support and encouragement I received. You will always be congratulated for success, and whenever you may be struggling or need extra support, there is a large support network of people who can help you.

This again has been good and bad throughout the apprenticeship. We have always been supported, and able to complete assignments to progress our qualifications. However in some of the earlier days when completing the foundation degree at college, things could have been clearer and more straightforward. Towards the end of the apprenticeship now, we are more used to the academic side, and have the support where needed.

For the most part, my qualification isn't particularly relevant to my role - but I find it is great in building contexts of manufacturing, and building my wider knowledge of how these environments work. A lot of our qualification surrounds engineering principles, and a very broad range of topics from robotics, to CAD, to machining, to business management.

Yes

BMW is a great international company to work for.
For our plant, being the size that it is, producing cool engines, surrounded by cool people - couldn't be better.
Although there is often a lot of work on my plate, it is a pleasure to come to work - and find the experience overall greatly positive and rewarding.