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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.
Ewan - Apprentice Technician
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Brandon - Customer Service Apprentice
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
I chose this apprenticeship at Vines because I wanted to join the Motor Trade, but I wasn’t interested in becoming a Technician. I enjoyed helping customers at my previous job and gained a good knowledge about vehicles at college and found the Service Adviser role which covered both of these aspects. I heard a lot of great things about the apprenticeship course that were better than others and I knew this was the apprenticeship for me.
How did you apply?
I applied through Indeed.com where the job was published.
What’s involved in an Apprenticeship?
With the apprenticeship you learn a lot about the vehicles and the customers at the Retailer and at the BMW Group Academy where the training takes place. You learn a lot about BMW as a brand and its history and of course about your role in the Retailer and how to improve your skills with customers.
What is your favourite part of the Apprenticeship?
My favourite part of the apprenticeship is the friends you meet and spend your apprenticeship with. I have made some serious lifelong friends, even though we are all from different parts of the UK.
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so, how often?
There are no tests on the apprenticeship for Customer Services in Aftersales. The course is all based on coursework, whether its standard question sets or learner forms which require evidence from your Retailer. Once the coursework is completed for the course you then qualify in your role. The coursework is sent out at the end of every block week you attend at the BMW Group Academy and it’s all based on what you have learnt during that week there.
Cameron's Story - Apprentice Technician
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
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The Vines Group provides a diverse, high quality automotive brand including all combustion, hybrid and fully electric vehicles providing the opportunity to learn and work on a wide variety of vehicles of which is a strong advantage over other competitor automotive brands.
How did you apply?
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Originally I came across the Apprenticeship proposal online whilst on an apprentice/job website and was successfully able to apply via an online application.
What's involved in Apprenticeship?
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The Apprenticeship involves the opportunity to experience a practical learning environment providing a 'hands on' approach to learning, as well as the opportunity to attend the BMW Group Academy; of which provides detailed theory in an in-depth lesson format to make you progress towards achieving the desired qualification or career path.
What is your favourite part of the Apprenticeship?
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My favourite aspect of the Apprenticeship is the hands on approach working within the work environment; gaining respect from fellow colleagues and gaining independence gradually after shadowing a college or mentor for a variety of tasks.
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so, how often?
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Every week block you attend at the BMW Group Academy a progression test presented to every apprentice to track progress but the significant assessments are tested each year as you pass through the gateway. Coursework is also set by them, but it is pre-coursework in order to provide an understanding of an aspect or two in preparation of the detailed presentation of information at college every two months or so.
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.
Brandon - Customer Service Apprentice
What made you decide to take up an Apprenticeship at Vines Group?
Close
I chose this apprenticeship at Vines because I wanted to join the Motor Trade, but I wasn’t interested in becoming a Technician. I enjoyed helping customers at my previous job and gained a good knowledge about vehicles at college and found the Service Adviser role which covered both of these aspects. I heard a lot of great things about the apprenticeship course that were better than others and I knew this was the apprenticeship for me.
How did you apply?
Close
I applied through Indeed.com where the job was published.
What’s involved in an Apprenticeship?
Close
With the apprenticeship you learn a lot about the vehicles and the customers at the Retailer and at the BMW Group Academy where the training takes place. You learn a lot about BMW as a brand and its history and of course about your role in the Retailer and how to improve your skills with customers.
What is your favourite part of the Apprenticeship?
Close
My favourite part of the apprenticeship is the friends you meet and spend your apprenticeship with. I have made some serious lifelong friends, even though we are all from different parts of the UK.
Do you have to complete tests and coursework? If so, how often?
Close
There are no tests on the apprenticeship for Customer Services in Aftersales. The course is all based on coursework, whether its standard question sets or learner forms which require evidence from your Retailer. Once the coursework is completed for the course you then qualify in your role. The coursework is sent out at the end of every block week you attend at the BMW Group Academy and it’s all based on what you have learnt during that week there.