Powertrain Technician Review

My role as a Powertrain Apprentice places me in one of 6 departments. Engine test, Engine build, Emissions, PEM's (Portable Emissions Measurement), Vehicle workshop, LCC (Late Configuration centre). I am currently in placement in Vehicle workshop. This has me working on all types of JLR vehicles, completing all kinds of jobs from removing a complete power unit to putting instrumentation on an exhaust system. Your daily interactions will see you speaking to engineers about jobs they want completing, to speaking to other fitters on how to complete the job. After a few weeks of placement I have found myself being left with more demanding jobs, with far more responsibility. As I am now in my second year, we are in plant 3 days a week and have been given a project from our chief engineer, showing that you get opportunities to impress and show you are dedicated to the job.

I believe I have learnt a lot of new skills in my second year, I believe my company knowledge has improved through being present more than the first year and feel that I am now seen as more of a technician and not just an apprentice. We have completed numerous different courses through catalyst for things like manual handling, HEV training, etc. One of my best achievements this year has been increasing my vehicle knowledge and feeling more competent to complete jobs in workshop.

I enjoy my programme very much. I work with a good bunch of people that not only bring humour to the day but also help get through challenging tasks and solve problems. Most of the people that already work for the company are very happy to help when help is needed, and are very much behind the apprenticeship programme. I did not know what to expect when I started the apprenticeship but it has surprised me in a good way and I am very happy that I chose Jaguar Land Rover.

I feel very valued by Jaguar Land Rover, a lot of emphasise is put on us as being the future of the company, and this is shown by the amount of help we are given to make sure we have the necessary skills to complete the job.The project given to us by our Chief Engineer also shows the appreciation they have for us.

To start with the programme was very messy and it seemed that no one particularly knew what was going on, this led to a very interrupted first year, but this has changed in our second year, there seems to be more thought out into processes and things are being done in a far more professional manner. Although the course still isn't perfect, we have found ourself in rooms that are to small for the class size and with lecturers in certain cases but these problems are solved fairly quickly and have not had an affect on our learning.

I feel I receive the relevant advice from tutors when it is needed, although I have not been in the situations where it has been needed. I believe that if I was it would be there for me. There are numerous counter measures in place for if speaking a tutor is not enough though, there is a ITM, JLR Info and you can always speak to your place based manager. I do enjoy the majority of my course but there is certain subjects that I do not find relevant or interesting but I think everyone has this problem at some point.

I feel I receive very good support from my employer, we have weekly meetings that allow us to vent any problems we have with college or with the course in general. If there is any problems that my work place manager can sort he will send me to the appropriate people e.g. Occupational health to get the problem sorted. I feel everyone has a good attitude to supporting all apprentices.

I feel that my current salary is now meeting my living demands, it has been difficult for the last 18 months as I had to move from Wales and start renting in Leamington Spa, but now after a couple of pay rises I believe the salary will now cover my living costs and leave some left over for me.

There are plenty of events to partake in outside work I believe, it is not something that I have looked at personally, as I am very busy but I hear of people saying about presentations and share fair that we are invited to. There is a share fair coming up very soon that I am going to to advertise the apprenticeship programme in JLR. We also have numerous discounts on activities across the midlands e.g. gyms, swimming, etc.

Yes

I believe that this is a very good apprenticeship with great prospects for the future. It also provides a great salary when you finally complete the apprenticeship. I also believe that the company is a great company to work for due to the discounts and benefits you get and also the great prospects we have globally.

My advice to people applying for the apprenticeship would be to be honest when going through the application process. The assessment centres are very difficult are a long day but as long as you are honest I believe you should be okay. I also believe that to be successful in the interview, you must be confident, the company wants people that can go places.