Indirect Purchasing Apprentice Review
at BMW Group UK
Degree Apprenticeship
Purchasing and Supply
Oxford
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
In purchasing we deal with requests from the business and go out to market in order to fulfil the request. We find suppliers and negotiate the price down with them to get competitive rates.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I am enjoying the programme however I feel sometimes that I'm not treated as an adult (strict rules from the apprentice team that my team doesn't follow), which at times makes me feel alienated. I also feel like I haven't been given as much responsibility as the other apprentices (may be due to placements) and am almost falling behind. At the beginning I got given administrative tasks which we not very interesting which demotivated me. Aside from this, I get along well with my team and am now getting more projects and responsibilities which allow me to improve my knowledge of the processes and engage with the wider business.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my communication skills and team working skills. My confidence has improved as well as my time management skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured, both from a work perspective and an academic perspective. At work we have placement plans which are useful to see which department you will be working in when. University is good too, we have a clear timetable with time allocated to work on assignments and projects (assignment workshops) which are very useful.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
BMW offer a wide support system, I know if I have an issue I can speak to my manager, or my training manager. There are also mental health first aiders who can point me in the right direction if I ever need extra support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Abingdon and Witney college put in progress review meetings every couple of months which is useful as my department manager and my training manager can see my academic progress, and I can give an overview of what I've been working on. The training coordinator will always ask me how I am doing and if I need any extra support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Business management is useful as it is a broad topic which is widely applicable. Despite this, I don't feel like the business management qualification directly helps me perform better in my role. It is useful to have a good knowledge of different areas of the business such as finance, business environment or business operations however I wouldn't use this knowledge in my specific job role.
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
I am part of the apprentice charity champions who organise plant wide charity events
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think the apprenticeships at BMW are very good, you get responsibilities and opportunities to work in different areas of the business which allows you to build a strong network. There are opportunities to work abroad, get involved in charity events and see how cars are built which is very interesting.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
Make sure you research the company and the job role to familiarise yourself with the company and the roles and responsibilities in the department.
