Level 3 Toolmaker Review
at BMW Group UK
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Swindon, Wiltshire
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
Overview of my role is line running and core tool maintenance, this entails a lot of stoning, grinding and filing.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my program to a high extent, this is a great opportunity to grow and develop as a person while having the support and help from experienced people who have been doing this sort of thing for years. I have been able to gain a wide scale of knowledge over different sectors in the course.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned new skills such as, electrical wiring, soldering, hand fitting techniques like filing, marking out using different tools, how to use a pillar drill and a lathe. I have also developed existing skills such as, working within a new team, communicating among different people, time management, and adaptability to changes within different aspects of the workplace.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
On the BMW side of my program it is organised and structured, they have a wide knowledge of what they are doing and know how to handle the large groups of apprentices.
On the college training side of my program, there are some dips in organisation and structure. Most teachers have a wide range of knowledge that they can organise into structured lessons throughout the year, however on rare occasions this timetable changes, for example there were new lathes installed which halted our turning and hand fitting classes.
On the college training side of my program, there are some dips in organisation and structure. Most teachers have a wide range of knowledge that they can organise into structured lessons throughout the year, however on rare occasions this timetable changes, for example there were new lathes installed which halted our turning and hand fitting classes.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
From my employer I receive a great deal of support, whenever I have any issues, questions or concerns, they are always there to help in any way, in a timely manner. Making it stress free to continue with my apprenticeship with no issues holding me back or distracting me at all.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
From my training provider, New College Swindon, I receive the support I need. On occasions there have been gaps in the support as there are a one or two of teachers who do not have the right knowledge or approach to helping students learn, but majority of the time I receive the appropriate support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My training provider, New College Swindon, helps greatly to grow my knowledge for my qualification to help perform better in my role. There are teachers who have a lot of wisdom to pass on to the next generation of young and curious minds. This qualification, with the help from the college, will help me a lot in the tool room.
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 extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my work. This includes, charity champions which put on many fund raising events all year round on holidays, there is the newsletter where apprentices can write about new news in their role and around the plant, and there is the conservation group that put their attention towards the environment, such as a bee hive, a pond, and a bench to chill at by the pond.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BMW apprenticeships are a great opportunity, and set you up for an amazing and secure career that will support you grow and develop as a person and as an employee to be apart of the business.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
When applying, there are different stages of the application that will contribute to you being picked. First is your online application, then you have a video interview where you have around 10 questions to answer on a video, you do have 2 minutes to prepare your answer and if you mess up the first time you have another try. The last stage is the assessment day, this is where your skills are put to the test, there are different parts to this day and one you have to work in a team, the other you work on your own, and the last one you have a face to face interview and a presentation. Don't leave your preparation for your presentation till the last minute, ask for advice from friends and family, and do not be afraid to ask BMW questions if you are unsure.
Public Relations and Events Assistant
at BMW Group UK
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