PROFESSIONAL
Gaining knowledge, polishing skills
and aiming to be a world-leading technician
BMW Group's extensive technician training program and associated promotion system, the Meister System, is shared by BMW Group locations around the world. Through systematic acquisition of knowledge and skills technicians aim for the highest certification under the system, BMW/MINI Meister. BMW Group is a leader in the automotive industry. Read below to learn more about the technician work environments, which allow technicians to focus on servicing vehicles, as well as new trends at BMW Group.
SKILL
Skill acquisition and certification
MEISTER
Meister is the highest level
under BMW Group's promotion system
The technician promotion system created by BMW Group Academy is known as the Meister System. The system includes five levels of technician knowledge and skills for both BMWs and MINIs. After training for each level is complete, technicians may take a certifying exam to confirm that they have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge. Successful candidates gain confidence in their abilities and proceed to the next level, as they continue to aim for the highest certification: BMW/MINI Meister. By acquiring both BMW and MINI Meister certification technicians can also become a "BMW Group Meister," establishing them as an authority on servicing BMW Group vehicles.
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MEISTER
- Well-versed in all vehicle models, old or new, and able to handle any issue.
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MASTER TECHNICIAN
- Understands all features of all current models, and able to handle the diagnostic process, including questioning.
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SENIOR TECHNICIAN
- Able to independently carry out testing, service and repair of all current models.
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TECHNICIAN
- Understands how standard-equipped mechanical and electric systems for BMWs/MINIs are built and work, and able to perform diagnosis and repair work.
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JUNIOR TECHNICIAN
- Able to carry out regular or standard inspections with support from the workshop supervisor (workshop manager).
ELECTRIC
Introduction of e-Meister system
to address electrification
An e-Meister certification system was introduced in 2019 to reflect the expanding lineup of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and other electrified vehicles. Like the standard Meister System, the e-Meister System is divided into five levels and technicians may advance to the next level by undergoing the necessary training and passing an exam. The system is designed to foment staff capable of handling high-voltage components, and is open to technicians who have already acquired a certain level of experience. This high level of training in regards to electrical components is one of BMW Group's unique major advantages as an automobile manufacturer.
GROW
A culture of encouragement
and mutual support
The word Meister means "master" in German, and is the word used to describe the highest level craftsmen under the German apprenticeship system. This belief in the importance of carrying on skill and craftsmanship into future generations is also a part of BMW Group's Meister System. Employees with Meister certification take an active and positive role, providing advice for junior colleagues, and technicians are surrounded by like-minded colleagues as they study and train, who are all working toward a single goal. Technicians receive graded pay increases, determined by their place of work, for each level of certification, helping to motivate technicians and ensure that this hard work and study is reflected in pay.
ENVIRONMENT
Working environment
An environment where technicians can focus on their work
and immerse themselves in vehicle repair
BMW Group technicians are vehicle service professionals who specialize in ensuring that vehicles remain in perfect running order. BMW Group offers work environments where these technicians can perfect their craft while focusing solely on vehicle service. Front of house duties such as interviewing customers about car issues or explaining repairs is handled by dedicated service advisers. This division of duties is modelled after the German approach and enhances performance for all staff.
Pleasant working environments year-round
with fully heated and cooled indoor workshops
A comfortable workshop is an important element to ensure work flows smoothly and technicians stay motivated. All BMW/MINI dealer locations feature indoor workshops, shielded from wind and equipped with full heating and cooling. BMW Group believes in providing work environments where technicians are able to fully concentrate and can operate in peak condition, year-round.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
As a leader in the automotive industry, BMW Group is a place where technicians can familiarize themselves with a range of new technologies and take pride in their work. In recent years, in particular, "electrification" has become the key to the future for automobile manufacturers. Since formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations in 2015, revolutionary environmentally friendly technologies are in demand across a range of industries. Always ahead of the pack, BMW Group began development of emission-free EVs as early as 1970, and in 2019 sold over 500,000 EVs and PHEVs. BMW Group plans to expand its high-voltage vehicle lineup to 25 models by 2023, and is a significant presence in development of products and technologies that contribute to the SDGs.
automated driving technologies
BMW Group began developing automated driving technologies in 2004. BMW Group has introduced a number of cutting-edge safety features while working toward fully autonomous driving, such as in 2019 with Japan's first hands-free function for use on expressways. Drivers can activate the Assistant System during expressway traffic jams to smoothly follow along while maintaining proper distance from the vehicle in front of them. A wide range of other features are also available, such as a feature for use on ordinary roads to steer vehicles back into place when they leave their lane, or BMW's Reversing Assistant, which allows a vehicle to automatically reverse by retracing the last 50 m of travel. Technicians working at BMW Group workshops will come into contact with the latest assisted driving technologies.
to link people, vehicles and data
The BMW Group contributes to more free and complete lifestyles, and this can also be seen in features such as BMW AI voice assistant or Connected Drive systems, which place needed information at a driver's fingertips. Air conditioner, audio and other settings can be controlled, and information such as weather forecasts for driving destinations or the best parking places can be accessed, through intuitive voice interfaces that feel like speaking directly with the vehicle. Whether it be remote activation of ventilation systems to air out a vehicle before driving or linking navigation systems to smartphone map apps, there are no limits to BMW Group's pursuit of comfort in driving. BMW/MINI technicians can experience the rising wave of IoT and digitalization from its forefront.
