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Gain an insight into what it's like as an apprentice studying and gaining invaluable hands-on experience working as a BMW Group apprentice at Vines Group.
Plus read some more of our apprenticeship stories from our around the Vines Group.
Tiago - Apprentice Technician
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
I chose an apprenticeship at Vines because it was the closest BMW dealer to me. I was very adamant on wanting to work at a BMW main dealer and Vines was the best option in terms of distance. After some research I also found out that Vines was a family-run company and this made it even more appealing to me as I knew I would be treated as a person and not a number.
How did you apply?
I applied directly through Vines Careers page. I just filled my details, uploaded my CV and waited for a reply.
What’s your job as an Apprentice like?
Being an apprentice is definitely the best method of education for people who prefer to get hands on rather than sitting in a class room. Every day there are different jobs, which means I get to learn something new every day. My job includes anything from as little as servicing or brake jobs all the way up to shadowing my mentor whilst they carry out diagnosis work. Overall, it's a great roll to be in for anyone with a love for cars and it's great fun with the added benefit of learning on the job.
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so how often?
Yes, every couple of months I visit the BMW academy and do 1-week blocks where you mostly learn the theory side of the apprenticeship. In between academy blocks, I'm also assigned online coursework to complete as preparation for following academy block.
What would you say to someone considering an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
If you are considering an apprenticeship with Vines group, my simple answer is go for it! It's a great place to work. Everyone is friendly and there is a real family feeling to working here. At Vines you are not just a number, and that's what makes Vines Group unique and stand out from other franchises.
Louis - Parts Advisor Apprentice
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
I chose to do the apprenticeship at Vines because they
offered the customer service qualification that not many other dealers offer.
It allows me to not only have a certification in parts but a Level 2 customer
service qualification. Vines is family run, which is a lot different to other
BMW dealers, it is more personal.
How did you apply?
Via the vines website on the careers section with a phone
interview and then a video interview. I also had a three-day trial to see if
they liked me and if I liked it the job.
What’s your job as an Apprentice like?
As an apprentice parts advisor my job consists of serving
the technicians in the workshop to customers at the retail counter, helping
sort out the trade parts that we deliver to the surrounding area. I like how
varied my day is as I am always kept busy with something to do. As a customer
apprentice I have to shadow other departments (Service, sales and workshop)
which gives me an idea of how the dealership runs to better myself in my role.
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so, how often?
As a customer service apprentice across one year, I attended
the BMW training academy for 3 block weeks and I had 3 weeks of virtual
classrooms. They set a workbook after every training session which is useful
for when the end assessment essay is due, as the workbooks covers most of the
questions. I also have a assessor coming down to shadow me for an hour which
will then sign me off for the parts and customer service qualification.
What would you say to someone considering an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
Definitely apply to do an apprenticeship at Vines group if
you want to get into the motor trade, I have been here a year now and Vines
look after all of their employees with staff events from sports days to food
trucks for lunch and Christmas events.
Tiago - Apprentice Technician
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
Close
I chose an apprenticeship at Vines because it was the closest BMW dealer to me. I was very adamant on wanting to work at a BMW main dealer and Vines was the best option in terms of distance. After some research I also found out that Vines was a family-run company and this made it even more appealing to me as I knew I would be treated as a person and not a number.
How did you apply?
Close
I applied directly through Vines Careers page. I just filled my details, uploaded my CV and waited for a reply.
What’s your job as an Apprentice like?
Close
Being an apprentice is definitely the best method of education for people who prefer to get hands on rather than sitting in a class room. Every day there are different jobs, which means I get to learn something new every day. My job includes anything from as little as servicing or brake jobs all the way up to shadowing my mentor whilst they carry out diagnosis work. Overall, it's a great roll to be in for anyone with a love for cars and it's great fun with the added benefit of learning on the job.
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so, how often?
Close
Yes, every couple of months I visit the BMW academy and do 1-week blocks where you mostly learn the theory side of the apprenticeship. In between academy blocks, I'm also assigned online coursework to complete as preparation for following academy block
What would you say to someone considering an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
Close
If you are considering an apprenticeship with Vines group, my simple answer is go for it! It's a great place to work. Everyone is friendly and there is a real family feeling to working here. At Vines you are not just a number, and that's what makes Vines Group unique and stand out from other franchises.
Ewan - Apprentice
Technician
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
Close
I decided to do my apprenticeship at Vines because I really wanted to start working in the motor trade. I had put my application in and then my CV. Also my dad used to work here and he would tell me how good the training is. The training from BMW is considered to be the best you can get in the motor trade which therefore will lead to a very successful career.
How did you apply?
Close
I applied by looking on the website and filling all the details
and uploading my CV. Then it said that I met the requirements which was great
and then I waited to hear about any positions available. I received an email
from BMW asking me to attend an interview. I did the interview and then after
that I did a 1 week trial to see if I fitted the requirements in the workshop.
What’s involved in Apprenticeship?
Close
My favourite part of the apprenticeship is learning new skills everyday. For example 1 day could be servicing and the other day could be diagnostic which is good because then I'm getting a good mixture of everything. Also the fun had in the workshop always makes it a good atmosphere. Another thing is going to the BMW Group Academy, that's always good because you learn how things work in detail. Also the food is good!
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so how often?
Close
Every 8 weeks roughly, we go to the BMW Group Academy in Reading. This is where we learn the theory side of it. Before we go we have pre-coursework which is where we have a load of topics to look at and then answer questions about. We have tests at the end of the first year then the second and then we have more at the very end of the 3 years. Also whilst we are up at the academy we get little tests to test our knowledge about the topic we are studying.
Louis- Parts Advisor Apprentice
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
Close
I chose to do the apprenticeship at Vines because they offered the customer service qualification that not many other dealers offer. It allows me to not only have a certification in parts but a Level 2 customer service qualification. Vines is family run, which is a lot different to other BMW dealers, it is more personal.
How did you apply?
Close
Via the vines website on the careers section with a phone interview and then a video interview. I also had a three-day trial to see if they liked me and if I liked it the job.
What’s your job as an Apprentice like?
Close
As an apprentice parts advisor my job consists of serving the technicians in the workshop to customers at the retail counter , helping sort out the trade parts that we deliver to the surrounding area. I like how varied my day is as I am always kept busy with something to do. As a customer apprentice I have to shadow other departments (Service, sales and workshop) which gives me an idea of how the dealership runs to better myself in my role.
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so, how often?
Close
As a customer service apprentice across one year I attended the BMW training academy for 3 block weeks and I had 3 weeks of virtual classrooms. They set a workbook after every training session which is useful for when the end assessment essay is due, as the workbooks covers most of the questions. I also have a assessor coming down to shadow me for an hour which will then sign me off for the parts and customer service qualification.
What would you say to someone considering an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
Close
Definitely apply to a apprenticeship at Vines group if you want to get into the motor trade, I have been here a year now and Vines look after all of their employees with staff events from sports days to food trucks for lunch and Christmas events.