Emission Measurement Technology Engineer Review

I support legislative emissions testing through routine maintenance, fault rectification and development of analytical capabilities. Through provision of efficient test delivery and excellent data quality, development engineers produce cleaner engines. I perform specialist exhaust emission quantification for development and certification work, quantifying aldehydes and ketones present in the exhaust. I am involved in project work driving continuous improvement to the capability of our testing facility.

This apprenticeship has developed me in numerous ways. I have gained a foundation degree in Engineering from Coventry University, as well as gaining hand skills in areas such as milling, fitting, turning, electronics and IT through Level 2 NVQ work. I am currently at Warwick University studying an applied engineering BEng Hons through the apprenticeship which is furthering my knowledge in both engineering, as well as business orientated modules. As part of my work within the chemistry lab I have completed training related to the theory of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) as well as gaining practical experience on the equipment. I have had numerous training courses with OEM relating to emissions equipment.

I enjoy the challenges faced every day as part of work, including the problem solving for breakdowns, to the project work looking at improving our capability and testing capacity. The team I work within allows me to interact with a wide range of technical experts helping to develop my overall and specific engineering knowledge. The company culture helps nurture learning for all apprentices, with a focus on up-skilling apprentices to enable them to better contribute to the business in the future.

I feel very valued by JLR. Within the team I have received high praise on multiple occasions, both formally through the official review system, as well as informally when work has been completed to a high standard. I have been assigned responsibility for many tasks that would normally be the job of a qualified engineer, as this demonstrates the faith the company places in their apprentices.

The programme is well structured over the six years. The induction helped introduce me into the business and provided a broad understanding of the company. The training is well organised, building apprentices up from a base level, developing practical and technical skills through training. The work based learning manager structure provides me with a single point of content when I have any issues that require resolving. There is time assigned to university studies to help aid and support the activities surrounding university which has proved very beneficial due to the strain of completing a degree whilst working.

I have a work based training manager to support general progress through the apprenticeship, and a personal tutor at Warwick University who handles any support issues related to my studies. This personal tutor provides feedback on university work including assessments and presentations. I also have a work-based learning manager who supports me in all matters related to the apprenticeship. I have regular reviews to discuss matters such as progress in studies, how work is going, safety issues and any other concerns.

I have several points of contact for support within my department. My supervisor within the Emissions team helps guide me through issues and identifies strong areas and areas for improvement through a skills matrix, and regular one-to-one meetings helps me track my progress. There is also support systems offered company wide to all employees to help deal with issues both within and outside of work.

The salary from the company is very competitive. The rate for stage system in place provides a 6 monthly pay increase provided performance is satisfactory. The wage easily covers all living costs as well as providing extra enabling me to save money up. I have never spent more than I earn from the job, and as my expenses increase, so too does my salary.

The company has multiple events outside of work it offers to staff, including team building activities such as the JLR challenge, where teams of employees across the business participate in a hiking and activity weekend. The company offers £200 a year allowance for employees to learn a new skill which can be related or unrelated to work. I have used this to learn to snowboard, and there are also many other opportunities advertised on the company intranet.

Yes

Jaguar Land Rover has given me the opportunity to develop my understanding in engineering both practically and technically, as well as enabling me to apply this knowledge in interesting situations. This has increased my self-confidence as well as ability, and the programme I am currently doing offers a foot in the door, top qualification from top learning providers and a very competitive salary.

The application process is very involved and I would stress the importance of business behaviours within the company, who are focused on instilling the highest level of employee dedication and behaviours. Learn about the business, what we offer and get as much experience in related fields as possible. The assessment day is a long day and you need to be prepared.