PowerTrain technician Review

I am a powertrain technician. This involves working with prototype vehicles/ parts, working in emissions testing, working in engine testing, etc. As I am a first year apprentice I have been full time in college but have had good insight through the placements throughout the year.

I have learnt to use machinery such as milling machines and lathes. I have learnt how to complete hand fitting jobs to very small tolerances and unique methods to complete certain tasks. I have gained basic knowledge of working on cars through the automotive workshop.

I enjoy my programme very much, we get to do alot of interesting tasks and visit some very unique places. However as it was the first year for trailblazer there were some points which lacked organisation.

I feel very valued by my company, my manager is very often in contact about things we need to known and occasionally we have meetings to see how things are going and if there is any problems.

I feel that there was certain points of the year this year that lacked some sort of organisation but this is due to the late appearance of the finished trailblazer but this was to be expected. Although it lacked control sometimes the year has gone with very few problems with good results on my behalf.

The college offer a lot of support across the board and try to do anything they can to help, they are in the same situation as JLR with the trailblazer arriving late and have struggled at some points but of no fault of their own. I enjoy the majority of tasks that have been given to me by the college but as with anything there are things you will not enjoy quite as much.

JLR always want to know how you are getting on and take a keen interest on knowing who is performing and who is struggling. As i have had no problems this year i haven,t required any extra support but feel that if i did it would be there for me.

I feel that the salary is a very good for the first year of an apprenticeship. As i had to move from wales it sometimes does not stretch as far as i need it to but this is just something that needs to be dealt with until the pay rises which occur every 6 months.

As we are in college for the first year we are not added to the company intranet so we miss some of the opportunities that are put on there but this is only the case for the first year, as when you are in plant 3 days a week in the second year you will be given access to the intranet.

Yes

I believe that it is a very good apprenticeship with very good opportunities to progress through the company. It gives you the opportunity to work with some of the most desirable cars in world and visit some of the most impressive manufacturing plants in Britain.

I would advise people to be honest in their application and keep calm if invited to the assessment centers. All of the staff you meet during the interviews phase are very friendly and helpful. It is important to realise that a spot on the JLR apprentice scheme is very desirable and should be very proud if offered a place.