Pilot Build Review

My job role is called 'Pilot build' and we build the prototype jaguar and land rover cars. I'm on the chassis station so this means putting the rear and front axle on a bench and hoisting the engine on top of the front axle and then going from there. We connect the radiator, propeller shaft, drive shafts, exhaust etc... Once everything is connected we get the shell of the car and hoist it over, we then connect the shell of the car to the base. Once all the bolts are torqued up the vehicle is sent to the next station.

I have learnt a numerous amount of skills over my first year on this apprenticeship. I've learnt to use a variety of machines like milling, lathes and a welding machine. I have learnt how to use the majority of tools that are available in a engineering environment. My team skills and ability to work with others has increased as the majority of people here are also engineering minded which can make team working easier.

I love the company. So far on this course the amount I've learnt is ridiculous, but good. They are pushing us to be the best we can be and I like that. I enjoy working with the people around me and I absolutely love my job. I couldn't of asked for a better opportunity.

The apprentice team are very involved with me and other apprentices. They value our thoughts and work together to create a happy working environment. You can see that they really put effort in to recognize their apprentices and care about their well being and how they are doing on the course.

Induction to our program was really good, we had a week where they sat us all down, and gave us time to commute and speak to the other apprentices. They introduced everybody on the apprentice team to make sure we know who we can talk to. The only issue with this program in my opinion is the organisation and that comes down to the college. Our course is well written and the stuff we're learning is good but its badly set out. We're expected to just be able to do a lot of work without much training as they have rushed the trailblazer scheme. This has caused a load of stress for most people but that's what you have to expect when doing an apprenticeship of this standard. Other than that the structure is relatively good.

I think the tutor we have is good, she will tell you the answer to any question you have for her and if she doesn't know the answer she will find it out for you asap. Our tutors for our subjects are supporting and are helpful with any technical questions and will keep trying with you until you understand which is extremely helpful when doing all of these assignments.

The JLRinfo team are very helpful, they send us emails with any notices or information that we need to know. We all have specific ITM's which kind of look after us and have 12 week reviews with to discuss any problem and how well the course is going for us which I find to be a good process. They are understanding and will help you.

The salary of this apprenticeship is good. Petrol can differ as I car share, so one week i'm paying roughly £60 pound a week for petrol the next is roughly £30. After paying my expenses, i.e, car, insurance, board, petrol, phone etc.. I don't have that much leftover but we have a thing called 'rate for stage' where you get a pay rise every 6 months if you're up to standard with everything. If I get these pay rises the salary will then be satisfactory.

In October they give us £200 pound to do a scheme of our choice and this ranges from having driving lessons, to going rock climbing, having English lessons etc... This can be beneficial to people that take advantage of this scheme but I don't take part.

Yes

I would recommend this apprenticeship to any one of my friends that want a solid job with a nice wage. But I would warn them of the workload and that it is a serious course. It's a big jump from going to college and doing a standard btec and this is because you're being put into a place of work and its a different environment so you have to behave and work hard.

With the application process be as honest as possible. They aren't interested in how smart you are or how good you are at things, they look at your willingness to learn and how you behave with other people. The interview can be quite nerve racking, but in my opinion they're very good at handling people with nerves, they're understanding and helpful so don't worry!