Powertrain Apprentice Review

As a second year apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover, I am currently rotating through the various areas within powertrain. I am currently in engine test. The current engine I have been testing alongside a tester is being ran in. This involves running different engine speeds on different low loads to bed then engine in before testing the engine properly. The role will also include removing test engines from the cell and installing new ones. I will also have to change and fabricate parts for the engines that are being tested.

I have developed my fabrication skills during my time on plant by performing various different tasks in the fabrication shop. This has included machining pistons to be mounted in an exploded engine project. The pistons had to be drilled in the centre of the combustion cup all the way through and threaded.

I enjoy my programme a lot. I enjoy working in pre-production at JLR as I get to see products years before the general public will which is a good perk of the job. I also enjoy the way we get to try all the sub departments before entering our final job role.

JLR seem to look after the employees from what I have seen so far and as a whole you do feel valued by the company. Myself and the other 7 apprentices in my department for my year were issued a project by the chief engineer to create a display piece for front of house. This was a big responsibility for fresh apprentices which does make you feel like part of the company rather than "just an apprentice".

After a shaky start to the trailblazer programme, the course now has good organisation. Out placements are run quite well and are a good length of time. There could be slightly better organisation on the college side of things but this is due to poor organisation from the college not from JLR. This is also being resolved swiftly.

Support is readily available from multiple sources but mainly from out work based learning managers. We have 1-2-1 meetings every 12 weeks to check on our progress at both work and college with our work based learning manager. Sometimes it is easier to go one step higher with other issues and tell our managers immediately.

Again, support is readily available whenever we need it. Managers are easily approachable at work as are the supervisors and can be supportive with any problems and provide helpful advice or guidance if needed.

My salary at the moment easily supports my needs and also allows me to save for a new car and eventually a house. Obviously, in the future more money will be needed when I do have my own house. We have pay rises every 6 months as part of the apprenticeship in the form of "rate for stage". This is a 10-12% rise.

There is a good scope for taking part in CSR events through work which can involve going to schools and colleges to talk to young people about working for JLR and also internal CSR events for promoting new products. You can also take part in Land Rover experience which involves test driving Land Rover and Range Rover's on the off-road experience.

Yes

So far I have enjoyed my time at JLR and I would recommend it to anyone. The training is very good and the work ethic is really good. I personally work at Whitley and the atmosphere at work is really good.

Be enthusiastic when applying and put maximum effort into your application. It can be the difference between getting the role you want and not getting it. Show interest from the beginning in the department that you would like to work in. As a whole I would just say be confident and be enthusiastic about the role.