Apprentice Engineering Technician (Level 6)

Summary

We believe in creating an environment where our apprentices really can learn and develop during their time with us. Our experts and mentors will treat you as part of the team from day one, encouraging you to bring your own ideas to the table and giving you the opportunity to really show what you can do.

Wage

£17,573 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

A competitive salary enhanced every six months depending on individual progress and performance starting at £17,573 per annum, rising to £33,000 at the end of the programme.

Training course

Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6)

Hours

Start and finish times will vary to meet the needs of your work-based placements and college hours.

36 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 8 September

Duration

4 years

Positions available

2

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

MINI Plant Swindon is an integral part of the BMW Group’s production triangle. 90% of the body components for the MINI, including all the skin panels and closure assemblies, originate at BMW Group Plant Swindon.

As an apprentice you will:

Gain hands-on experience in automotive production and engineering techniques, including robotics, welding, fluid power, and electronics
Complete a comprehensive training program, covering disciplines such as machining, control systems, and programmable logic controllers
Participate in practical on-the-job training with placements across various departments to develop expertise in product creation, quality checking, and manufacturing systems
Rotate through different business areas, including automotive manufacturing and potentially other BMW UK sites
Engage in personal and professional development through exposure to business techniques like Lean Manufacturing and Problem Solving
Work towards a BEng (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering while receiving fully funded academic support
In the final year, transition to more specialised training related to the chosen role, including potential shift work integration

Where you’ll work

Bridge End Road

Swindon

SN3 4PE

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

Your training course

Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

Foundation Stage: Complying with statutory regulations and stringent organisational safety requirements
Foundation Stage: Producing components using hand fitting, fabrication and joining techniques
Foundation Stage: Producing Computer Aided Design (CAD) models (drawings) using a CAD system
Foundation Stage: Preparing and using lathes, milling and other general or specialist machines and high tech equipment
Foundation Stage: Preparing and proving Computer Numeric Control programmes
Foundation Stage: Using computer software packages to assist with and evaluate engineering activities
Foundation Stage: Producing and managing engineering project plans
Foundation Stage: Producing assemblies using a wide range of materials and techniques
Development Team: Project management and scheduling engineering activities
Development Team: Securing appropriate resources and managing budgets and resources
Development Team: Implementing, monitoring and evaluating engineering processes

Your training plan

Manufacturing engineer (degree) Level 6 (Degree with honours)

Foundation Practical Engineering (Year 1)
Foundation Degree in Manufacturing Engineering – Year 2
Foundation Degree in Manufacturing Engineering – Year 3
Top up to Manufacturing Engineering Degree (BEng) – Year 4 (BCU)

More training information

First Year:

Focus on academic requirements and practical training to qualify for Employer Units of Competence
Gain skills across various engineering disciplines, including milling, turning, hand skills, electrical and electronic circuits, control systems, fluid power, PLCs, welding, and more

Second and Third Years:

Continue academic studies while undergoing on-the-job training.
Participate in placements across multiple business areas, with an emphasis on product development, creation, and quality checking
Rotate through different areas of automotive manufacturing, with possible placements at other BMW UK sites

Fourth Year:

Continue on-the-job training with a focus on preparing for the final job role
Potentially begin shift work to better integrate with the team

Throughout the Program:

Undertake fully funded study towards a BEng (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering while gaining specialist knowledge through hands-on training

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

mathematical based or Engineering related (grade C or above)
mathematical based or Engineering related (grade C or above)
Science (grade C or above)

Other in:

any subject x3 (grade 5/C or above)
English (grade 5/C or above)
Maths (grade 5/C or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Logical
Creative
Initiative
Physical fitness

About this company

The BMW MINI Plant in Swindon, located in Wiltshire, England, is a key site for the production of MINI vehicles. The plant is highly regarded for its advanced manufacturing processes and plays a central role in the global MINI production network. Here are some key details about the plant: Role in MINI Production: The plant primarily focuses on producing body parts for MINI cars, including the iconic MINI Hatchback and MINI Electric models. The body shells are then sent to other BMW facilities for final assembly and finishing. Cutting-Edge Technology: The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and automation, utilizing advanced robotics and precision engineering techniques. It is known for its high levels of efficiency and quality control. Sustainability: BMW’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the operations at the Swindon plant. The plant focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, with efforts to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. Workforce: The plant employs a large number of people, with many being involved in engineering, manufacturing, quality control, and logistics. The workforce benefits from continuous training and development opportunities, with initiatives to enhance both technical and personal skills. History: The Swindon plant was originally opened in 2000, and since then, it has become an essential part of BMW Group’s manufacturing network. The plant has contributed to the successful production and global distribution of the MINI brand. Community Involvement: BMW Group has a strong presence in the local community, supporting various initiatives and programs aimed at local development, sustainability, and education. The plant is an important part of BMW's strategy to maintain high-quality manufacturing standards while ensuring flexibility in global production and meeting the increasing demand for MINI vehicles worldwide.

http://www.bmwgroup.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

You will have the opportunity to enjoy employee benefits including access to our discounts scheme and a subsidised on-site restaurant. If aged 18 and over, you can purchase or lease a BMW or MINI vehicle of your choice at a reduced rate.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your career with BMW Group will be designed to meet individual aspirations and the business needs of an internationally recognised company.

You start on a business awareness programme followed by career focussed training on the relevant departments:

Technical and Maintenance to Body in White (BIW), Paint and Assembly operations
A maintenance role within highly automated production facilities

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

BMet Recruitment Team

recruitment@bmet.ac.uk

0121 362 1122

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000305202.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Sunday 9 March)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

The next stage is a Video Interview. You can complete this at any time of day during your 5 day invitation window and you will be recorded answering a set of questions. There is a practice question at the start which is not recorded. Following this, successful applicants will be shortlisted and invited to a face-to-face Assessment Centre with BMW Group. Provisionally, the Assessment Centre is due to take place week commencing 24th March 2025.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents