Product Design and Development Engineer Review
at BMW Group UK
Degree Apprenticeship
Automotive Engineering
Chichester
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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
On a day-to-day basis, I usually work on CAD software, modifying components for new vehicle designs, and 3D printing these components so that they can be used as prototypes. Alongside this, I am continually improving my skills in leather covering and pattern development.
Some tasks require me to network with other departments, or teams in Munich. I work on a wide range of projects, from new car models to existing production parts.
Some tasks require me to network with other departments, or teams in Munich. I work on a wide range of projects, from new car models to existing production parts.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
My apprenticeship is full of new learning experiences, and every week I end up working on something new. I have gained new responsibilities, and settled into my department. I am looking forward to being on placements within other departments, and even the opportunity to experience the BMW Group plants in Germany. Sometimes I have little work to complete, however this is usually filled quite quickly with training or other projects.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since starting my apprenticeship, I have learnt how to cover parts with leather, and the processes surrounding this such as skiving and glue spraying. I have also been continually improving my CAD and 3D printing skills, adapting to new software and creating complex parts for other members in my department.
Overall, I have spoken to many people from around the factory as part of my projects, which has improved crucial skills such as teamwork and communication.
Overall, I have spoken to many people from around the factory as part of my projects, which has improved crucial skills such as teamwork and communication.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The program is relatively well organised, and your manager and apprentice advisors are always available to talk to if there's any issues. As I am a degree apprentice, my program is more relaxed than those on a 2 year course; for example I do not have a placement plan yet. The apprentice advisors also hold regular meetings for if you have any questions, although I do unfortunately miss these due to my university times.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is always support available if I need it, and the apprentice advisors, as well as my manager, have multiple points of contact. If I do need assistance, I know that I am able to go to them for help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Support from my training provider is okay. However, due to staffing issues I still do not have a mentor that supports my progress reviews. Generally, lecturers are quick to respond to messages and provide assignment feedback, and resources are available to us if we get stuck. They are also understanding of the distance I have to travel to attend my course.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification does teach me useful skills which relate directly to my job role. I am glad that this college/university was chosen as my provider, as other options would have been unsuitable. Some topics learnt are unlikely to be used at my job, such as sustainability studies, but these topics are still useful to learn so that I can achieve a qualification which allows me to continue with my career in the future.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
We all attended Skern Lodge to start our apprenticeship, which was a 4 day excursion that allowed us to meet first year apprentices from Rolls-Royce and other UK BMW Group plants. We completed a wide range of activities from rafting to rock climbing, and it was a very rewarding experience. Without Skern Lodge, I would not have been able to get to know the apprentices as well as I do.
There are social activities planned by individual departments and events like charity quiz nights. I would like to see more events planned for just apprentices, such as days out and team building events similar to Skern Lodge, even if we have to pay!
Most of the apprentices do end up organising their own events in each year group, for example some of us visited Thorpe Park and went Go Karting.
There are social activities planned by individual departments and events like charity quiz nights. I would like to see more events planned for just apprentices, such as days out and team building events similar to Skern Lodge, even if we have to pay!
Most of the apprentices do end up organising their own events in each year group, for example some of us visited Thorpe Park and went Go Karting.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
My apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been incredibly rewarding, even after only 6 months in my role. I thoroughly enjoy my job and am excited to see what happens over the rest of my apprenticeship. There are a lot of opportunities as a degree apprentice to try something new.
I have made a lot of friends, which was important to me as I moved over 150 miles from home to start the course. Skern lodge was a big help in creating these friendships, and we regularly meet for activities outside of work, and there is a lot to do in the local area.
The salary is competitive and there is opportunity for frequent pay rises. The benefits for being an employee are also very good, such as a discounted car scheme, and local discounts for businesses in Chichester and at Goodwood.
There is plenty of support available to you.
I have made a lot of friends, which was important to me as I moved over 150 miles from home to start the course. Skern lodge was a big help in creating these friendships, and we regularly meet for activities outside of work, and there is a lot to do in the local area.
The salary is competitive and there is opportunity for frequent pay rises. The benefits for being an employee are also very good, such as a discounted car scheme, and local discounts for businesses in Chichester and at Goodwood.
There is plenty of support available to you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
It's important to be yourself when applying for an apprenticeship. Be honest, and show your interests and passions. It doesn't necessarily matter if you haven't had experience before, as I had never worked with leather before I got my position here. They are looking for the ability to learn throughout your apprenticeship, not that you already have the skills.
Public Relations and Events Assistant
at BMW Group UK
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Farnborough, Hampshire
-
4.8
