Engineering Technician Review
at BMW Group UK
Degree Apprenticeship
Automotive Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Engineering
Cowley, Oxfordshire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.8 /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
3.4/5
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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
Various placements every 3 months so job roles are always changing, but previous placement areas have included interior/exterior system integration, metrology, chassis/powertrain quality analysis, electronic/software testing, digitalisation (Automation & virtual factory), engineering change co-ordination. One day per week is at BCU working toward my manufacturing engineering degree.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
In general, i do enjoy the programme. There are some very exciting areas where lots of interesting work is going on, but there are also areas that are not so enjoyable. However, its a very good work-life balance and overall a pleasant working environment. There is also usually more than enough time to complete academic work within your normal working week. During the first 2 years, you work toward a foundation degree, with BMET which is on-site. This teaching standard is generally pretty low and is frustrating though. Once you get past this, the teaching standard at BCU is much better.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
From the foundation degree & what ive done of the full degree so far, I have learnt lots. Also from the actual work I do, I have learnt a massive amount about how a high volume manufacturing plant operates, what areas are needed, the structure of the business, the struggles etc. I have also developed professionally, by just being in a working environment and being surrounded by others that are professional and each have specialist areas.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Its pretty well structured, from the second year we have a placement plan of where we will go, our hiring department, timings etc. Also have introduction/exit meetings for each placement. There are quarterly reviews with the training provider and bi-annual reviews with BMW. There is also a whole system for tracking how you are getting on throughout the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have had no problems with BMW in terms of support. The training specialists are on hand to help with any questions, and can generally help or steer you in the right direction with almost every problem you could have. They are also understanding of life as an apprentice and make accommodations for that. Salary & benefits are also a big positive from the employer.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
As mentioned earlier, BMET standard is not very good, some teachers are brilliant & have great knowledge and practical industry experience, some have a very big lack of understanding of the topic they are trying to teach, which makes it very difficult. We do have quarterly reviews with BMET/BCU, so that's a good point of contact. BCU is better, its more structured, better quality teaching etc.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Its definitely good for general engineering understanding, as well as there being a few more business focussed modules such as lifecycle management, operations systems etc. However, some modules seem slightly un-useful for the job role I may be going into.
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
Not really. There is informal apprentice events every once in a while, but these aren't organised by the company. There is also placement events, such as christmas events, but these again aren't organised by the apprenticeship, they are done based on the people you're with in placement.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a good company, you are seen as more than just a number. There are good benefits as well as a nice working environment and relatively high compensation. Definitely don't regret choosing the apprenticeship over university. For reference, I had a position at Loughborough to do product design engineering.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
Be yourself during an interview, I believe they are looking for personality, interest & character more than purely high grades. That said, there is still a minimum grade you need in things like maths. Show off your hobbies & interests and do your interview presentation on something you're genuinely passionate about.
