Degree Apprentice Review
at BMW Group UK
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Birmingham
Review Submitted: August 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
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
Day-to-day business involves completing placements in different functions around the business. This is designed to develop a holistic view of the business, understand how each function interacts, and help you develop a diverse skill set.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme. While it sometimes has its challenges and can be stressful or less enjoyable, overall I find it rewarding. The work I complete contributes to my development, and I see it as valuable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have been able to develop a diverse skill set both through work experiences and university studies.
While the programme has been beneficial overall, I believe it could be significantly improved. There is a lack of structure and organisation within the programme. Ideally, it should be better designed to develop apprentices' strengths while also building the specific skills that the business needs.
The programme would benefit from better organisational support and clearer development pathways. Currently, some apprentices lack structured guidance on how to progress and develop the skills most valuable to both their careers and the business.
While the programme has been beneficial overall, I believe it could be significantly improved. There is a lack of structure and organisation within the programme. Ideally, it should be better designed to develop apprentices' strengths while also building the specific skills that the business needs.
The programme would benefit from better organisational support and clearer development pathways. Currently, some apprentices lack structured guidance on how to progress and develop the skills most valuable to both their careers and the business.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The overall structure is satisfactory. As mentioned, there seems to be a lack of structure and support to develop skills that are best for both the business and the individual.
You are provided with a placement plan. Placements within this can be swapped around, reduced, or extended based on your preferences and recommendations from mentors.
You are provided with a placement plan. Placements within this can be swapped around, reduced, or extended based on your preferences and recommendations from mentors.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Support is satisfactory. When problems arise, they can be resolved quickly.
Beyond problem-solving, we do not receive extensive ongoing support, though personally I do not require much additional support at this stage.
While the reactive support system works well for addressing issues as they arise, the programme could benefit from more proactive developmental support. This might include regular check-ins, skills coaching, or peer mentoring opportunities that could benefit apprentices who may need more structured guidance.
Beyond problem-solving, we do not receive extensive ongoing support, though personally I do not require much additional support at this stage.
While the reactive support system works well for addressing issues as they arise, the programme could benefit from more proactive developmental support. This might include regular check-ins, skills coaching, or peer mentoring opportunities that could benefit apprentices who may need more structured guidance.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Overall, support from the training provider is good.
Lecturers are generally open to providing support and clarification, although the quality and clarity of teaching can sometimes fall below expectations.
When this has occurred in the past, issues have been addressed swiftly and resolved.
Lecturers are generally open to providing support and clarification, although the quality and clarity of teaching can sometimes fall below expectations.
When this has occurred in the past, issues have been addressed swiftly and resolved.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My degree in Manufacturing Engineering allows me to develop fundamental skills in mechanical engineering and industrial management/operations.
While I value the skills I've gained, such as CAD, FEA, and fracture mechanics, which I have been able to apply to projects at work, I often hear feedback from others and believe myself that there is limited utilisation of the skills learned from the degree in the programme.
While I value the skills I've gained, such as CAD, FEA, and fracture mechanics, which I have been able to apply to projects at work, I often hear feedback from others and believe myself that there is limited utilisation of the skills learned from the degree in the programme.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes. Football events, social activities and even team dinners are held!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, if you are someone that is passionate about developing expertise in the automotive and manufacturing sector.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
Attend work experience events, complete projects and develop useful skills for your CV which you can apply in the work place and evidence.
Also, ensure your scheme aligns with your long term development ambitions by asking questions and seeking clarity on your role.
Also, ensure your scheme aligns with your long term development ambitions by asking questions and seeking clarity on your role.
