PTTO Advanced Apprentice Review

As I am just due to finish my first year I have mainly been in college. Apart from 4 weeks on sight. On a day to day basis, as a first year apprentice, I generally spend most of my time in workshop (around 3 1/2 days a week). This involves turning, milling, hand fitting, welding etc. The other day and a half is spend in the classroom studying the theory side of engineering. This includes

I have spent a lot of time in the workshops throughout the first year. This has greatly expanded my knowledge in all areas, (Turning, milling, welding, hand fitting and vehicle workshop). I feel like I have especially gained knowledge and skills in turning and milling due to a few tutors who have been great for both tuition and also for giving you tips about the world of engineering.

I feel that I have been put into a great department and I get on well with all the other lads in my department. The company have been great at the moment. They are always providing us with information about how the company is getting on and also about new products and the future of the company.

My department seems to be a lot more engaging with the apprentices that other departments. This has been very encouraging as it does make you feel valued when management wants to know how you are getting on at work/college. They also want our opinions on how the training is going to try and improve it in the future if improvements are needed.

Apart from a messy start up with the new trailblazer programme it is generally very good. The trailblazer was still being put together by the government when we started so our assessments did not come in until very late in the year. This has made the last few months a bit of a rush. However, it has just gave us more time for training which is a bonus.

Most of the tutors are great at college. I say most as some seem like they really can't be bothered with their job. I imagine this is the same in all industries though. On the other hand, the good tutors are very very good. Some will even go out of their way to help you even if it is not part of their job role.

As a whole our department is great. It is easy to get hold of our managers to get information about college, work or just general information about the company. Our department also tries to have regular meetings to catch up with us and to search for any improvements.

At the minute I am living at home and communing around 35 miles a day. I currently have to pay housekeeping at home, travel, and I can still enjoy myself and save a good chunk of money every week. As I get older and want my own place to live I am going to need more money.

If this question is referring to events to do with the company, then yes. There are PR events that you can go to, (by invite only). Every employee will get an opportunity to go on a PR event as JLR want to encourage this. There is also scope to travel and work in other companies as JLR are constantly expanding.

Yes

As a whole I have very much enjoyed my first year at Jaguar Land Rover. The training has been top notch and I am very happy with the department that I chose. Also, the attitude from management towards us is great. They are very encouraging and they always welcome feedback on the apprenticeship.

Just be yourself. During the application process just be honest with what you have done. Don't tell them you have restored a truck or a car if really you watched your dad's friends sister change a spark plug. Everyone is going to receive the same training anyway so you don't need to worry about "not being as good as somebody else." Put 100% effort into the application process. Some of the tasks when applying will need you to sit down and spend a bit if time on. Also, your scores in the online application and test centre affect whether you will get your chosen job role or not.