Engineering Technician Review
at BMW Group UK
Degree Apprenticeship
Manufacturing
Oxford
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
2.9 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.2/5
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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:
3/5
Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday are spent in placement, which is currently in Chassis & powertrain quality. This is where pre-series and production faults are brought to be tested and find the root cause, and some solutions implemented. Involves fitting test parts, testing parts, using car diagnostic software etc. Wednesdays are spent in the on-site college (BMet) working in Y2 of foundation degree.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I do enjoy it for the most part. Upsides are on the job learning, being in an interesting and high tech environment, good fun like minded people, being able to drive cars on site, benefits like car scheme, discounts, very good pension, bonus.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, continued academic development especially in CAD and quality assurance. On the job learning from BMW group specific software, processes, professional practice etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
BMet organisation leaves a bit to be desired. On-site it is pretty well organised but the assignment briefs are terrible for the most part. Very unclear, sometimes not even proper English. This has been brought up to senior BMet management but nothing changed, which has made completing them much more difficult. Sometimes the teachers don't even really know what the assignment is asking. BMW side of organisation is good, we have a placement plan, know timings, meetings etc.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
A fair amount. We have 6 monthly 1-1 performance reviews, and will have more regular catch ups as part of a larger group. For each 3 month work placement, we have introduction and exit meetings. I do feel like I am able to ask the BMW managers questions if needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Not much. As mentioned earlier, poor assignment briefs were brought up to senior manangement many many months ago but nothings changed. We do have quarterly catch ups/reviews with BMet. I can ask questions to teachers but they are sometimes unanswered or they don't know.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
It is tailored to suit our final job roles, including more content on quality systems/quality engineering, the automotive industry etc, but this is much more down to the teacher rather than the course itself. It does teach ways of thinking and processes to follow, rules, softwares, manufacturing processes so gives a wider view of engineering in general.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
Theres not much. BMW nor BMet organise anything in the way of christmas partys, events etc. You may get invited to christmas events from your placements though. I believe theres a football team that you could join, but this isnt very big or well known. Some careers events happen where you can go to schools etc to advertise the apprenticeship.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Pay development is very good, even though starting salary is very low. Car scheme is a benefit (brand new BMW group cars for a very good rate including insurance, tax etc). They do look after you in terms of a good pension, a bonus scheme, discounted vehicle parts, opportunities to go on the MOVE apprentice abroad exchange scheme etc.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
Don't worry about your academic levels as much as other apprenticeship providers do. Prove your genuine interest in the group and products they make, locations etc. Genuine interest in the automotive industry helps, along with any hands on experience you may have.
