L6 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Review
at BMW Group UK
Degree Apprenticeship
Automotive Engineering, Engineering, Manufacturing
Oxford
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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
First year of the apprenticeship is based in the on-site training school, where you learn a range of hands-on engineering-based skills such as machining, welding, hand fitting, PLC's, pneumatics etc.
After the first year, you then spend two years rotating different departments in 3-month stints. This is a great way to gain a wide overview of the business, and how it operates. It is also a great way to network throughout the business.
After you complete your two years of placements, you then spend your fourth and final year in the department that you will join into after your apprenticeship.
After the first year, you then spend two years rotating different departments in 3-month stints. This is a great way to gain a wide overview of the business, and how it operates. It is also a great way to network throughout the business.
After you complete your two years of placements, you then spend your fourth and final year in the department that you will join into after your apprenticeship.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy the apprenticeship and I think it has provided me with a great way to learn the business and network with a wide range of departments. I am constantly learning new skills and techniques that will ultimately develop my career, and my understanding of the automotive and manufacturing industry is constantly expanding.
Some placements are better than others in terms of work load and the responsibilities you are given, but for the most part, you can get out whatever you are willing to put into a placement.
Some placements are better than others in terms of work load and the responsibilities you are given, but for the most part, you can get out whatever you are willing to put into a placement.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
The year in the training school definitely helped me to learn a range of engineering-based skills as I previously mentioned, like using a lathe, turning machine, welding, PLC's, pneumatics...
As well as this, our training manager set up regular meetings and often shared with us skills that would help our professional development, like presentation skills etc.
I enjoy the 'learning on-the-job' aspect of the placements as I find it a great way to gain new skills and to develop existing ones.
As well as this, our training manager set up regular meetings and often shared with us skills that would help our professional development, like presentation skills etc.
I enjoy the 'learning on-the-job' aspect of the placements as I find it a great way to gain new skills and to develop existing ones.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There is a good level of structure to the apprenticeship, and I enjoy the placement structure and the first year spent in the training school.
I'd like to have more of an input into my personal placement plan as I find that some placements aren't exactly relevant to the department I have been planned to finish in.
It is great to have an introduction meeting in place before each placement, and an exit meeting afterwards where you get the opportunity to receive quality feedback, as well as being able to share feedback to the department.
At times it feels there's a lack of organisation from the training provider, but so far this hasn't led to any dramatic outcomes on my grades.
I'd like to have more of an input into my personal placement plan as I find that some placements aren't exactly relevant to the department I have been planned to finish in.
It is great to have an introduction meeting in place before each placement, and an exit meeting afterwards where you get the opportunity to receive quality feedback, as well as being able to share feedback to the department.
At times it feels there's a lack of organisation from the training provider, but so far this hasn't led to any dramatic outcomes on my grades.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I find there is a great level of support from my employer. They are always available and always have your best interests in mind, and set up regular meetings to address any concerns etc.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The training provider can be very supportive and accommodating when you have something to address, but there is a clear lack of organisation at times. For example, some teachers aren't at all familiar with the content they are teaching. The teaching could be improved in some areas, but there are regular reviews with the college to address concerns, and so far, I have been happy with my grades for the most part.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Some modules of the qualification can really help perform better in the role, such as the CAD modules, and mainly business modules. Apart from, a lot of the content isn't applicable or at a level used in industry.
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
There are some internal teams and events you can support with, such as the newsletter team and charity team. Apart from that, it involves making friends with the apprentices around you and organising your own activities outside of work. The company don't run Christmas socials for apprentices, for example.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I'd recommend the apprenticeship as it's an amazing opportunity to gain a qualification, gain real work experience, and to be paid for it all at the same time.
I am constantly learning in my role, and the company also values it's apprentices.
I am constantly learning in my role, and the company also values it's apprentices.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK?
Research the company and it's history. Look into the manufacturing and automotive industries to really understand what they're like and if it is somewhere you see yourself working and developing a career within.
Another factor to consider is working in a factory environment. Conditions are often quite different to the average corporate environment. The company are very hot on lateness and absences even if you aren't a production-related employee. As well as this, changes in production requirements can mean you are forced to take leave when you don't want to, which is quite challenging at times. There is a working time account for employees in case you run out of annual leave, but it is often hard to build back hours as an apprentice.
Another factor to consider is working in a factory environment. Conditions are often quite different to the average corporate environment. The company are very hot on lateness and absences even if you aren't a production-related employee. As well as this, changes in production requirements can mean you are forced to take leave when you don't want to, which is quite challenging at times. There is a working time account for employees in case you run out of annual leave, but it is often hard to build back hours as an apprentice.
