Level 3 Maintenance Technician Review
at BMW Group UK
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Automotive Engineering
Coleshill, Warwickshire
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
My apprenticeship consists of a split between college and the factory. Within college, I undertake a practical level 2 qualification including studies in hydraulics, electrical maintenance, PLCs, bench, and lathes and mills. At the factory, not only do I shadow technicians, attending breakdowns, I also carry out maintenance activities. As no two days are the same, my role can vary from disassembly's and assemblies to HMI screens and handling robots.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Undoubtedly, being in the factory is very enjoyable and rewarding. Being apart of repairs and seeing components and machines that I have worked on operating and creating engines gives me a sense of satisfaction. The programme also provides lots of transferrable skills and my competence with tools has improved which is great. However, some aspects of the college mean that I do not fully enjoy my time there as sometimes there is a sense of disorganization.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Without a doubt I have developed and learnt new skills. Coming straight from A-levels, I have expanded my practical ability and learnt how to use a range of new tools. In fact, the transferrable skills I've learned in the factory, makes DIY at home easier. I have also learnt about PLC systems and robot programming.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I would say there is definitely room for improvement in terms of organisation and structure. Sometimes there is a lapse in communication from the college meaning things are not properly relayed between us, the college and the employer. I also think with regards to the factory that having more advanced notice of placements would benefit us so that there is less confusion upon starting there.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
In my opinion, I think a little more support from the employer would be helpful. Rarely do managers come to college and I think this would be beneficial in ensuring things run smoothly.
However, should I ever need to contact a manager whether that be by Microsoft Teams, text or call, I can always be sure I will receive a prompt response.
However, should I ever need to contact a manager whether that be by Microsoft Teams, text or call, I can always be sure I will receive a prompt response.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The college definitely tries to support us in our qualifications and most of the lecturers are very knowledgeable in their trades.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
There is definitely some overlap between the college course and the factory. This means that some of the electrical, fluid power and PLC knowledge is transferrable and means I am not completely in the dark when being given jobs at work .
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
There are definitely loads of extra-curricular activities. We have a charity team, newspaper team and lots of sports events. To improve, I feel like having more opportunities to network with other apprentices and plants would be great.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The programme in general is great. It provides learners with hands-on, transferrable skills. The community feel is great as are the opportunities for progression.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
Although the application and interview process is long, should you be successful the programme is very rewarding. My advice would be don't expect to immediately be doing practical tasks in the factory as there is a college aspect to consider. Research the company as well!
