Jessica

Jessica has no regrets about choosing an Apprenticeship over university.  She much prefers her role as an apprentice maintenance technician with BMW Group Plant Hams Hall where she spends four days on the shopfloor and one day studying engineering at James Watt College.

She is into the second year of her Apprenticeship programme where she has started three-month placements in different parts of the plant such as the mainline area and in controls.

“As an apprentice maintenance technician, my role involves making sure a production line is always operating effectively,” she explained.  “Experiencing multiple areas of the plant is great because you get a really good understanding of how everyone contributes and you get to know more people.  Eventually, I’ll choose or be assigned a particular area to work in.  This will allow me to specialise in one role and develop my career.

“I always tell people I meet that sixth form isn’t your only option.  Or if you have completed A Levels or a practical qualification then you can still take up an Apprenticeship and go on to university afterwards.”