Electrical Integration Apprentice Review

My role involves project management of the electrical design of Vehicles for the consumer market. Here in I test software in physical vehicles, arrange delivery of components track vehicle development. As well as developing software for other individuals to use when it comes to SWDL of modules. I am currently second line support for 3 car lines which are all to be delivered in 2018.

The current skills I have learned/developed are electrical wiring, electronics design and manufacture, welding, milling, turning & fitting (use of hand tools). In addition to this i have covered General IT, Coding in C* and python as well as IOT integration. Also covering issue management, time management and product delivery. I have thus far achieved a Foundation degree and am strating my Beng in applied engineering in September.

The program is enjoyable especially when focused on the in plant side of the apprenticeship, work is fulfilling, satisfying and challenging. My team support me with learning opportunities and support where needed even helping with degree work by explaining complex automobile processes. The college work for the foundation degree on the other hand is frustrating as it is poorly planned and demanding due to all deadlines being handed out to students weeks before the end of year.

I am involved in tasks and projects by my team as a whole often being invited to take opportunities to work on special projects by members of staff throughout the company due to my drive to succeed. I do not have many dealings with my manager as I am trusted to be a productive member of the team in my own time. Internal recognition personally have not received much, however I am aware of other apprentices receiving benifits from amazon vouchers to trips to china right up to a brand new car.

The college support could be much better, the general apprentice morale for this side of the apprenticeship is low. Far too much work is needed to be completed in own time to fill in holes in the taught content. Supportive meetings are termed behavioural reviews they can be useful to identify areas of improvement but also can seem as if the apprentice team are putting students down. Within the work environment however this is the opposite we are structured well.

My training provider is Warwickshire college group, they attempt to provide support. However with staffing issues good teaching support maybe difficult to find with resources being stretched quite thinly. Problems can be swept under the carpet on occasion and can result in some ill feeling.

My mentor is fantastic providing training opportunities thick and fast making my departmental development exciting and challenging whilst also supplying me with the knowledge to complete tasks independently. I have yet to have a problem that would result in me being involved with HR however I am aware of the HR support being above average.

The area of the midlands my apprenticeship scheme is carried out around is Warwickshire and Leamington Spa which are expensive areas of the country. Therefore living costs are higher the pay packet allows for the support of this. Internal site travel is provided cost free for most JLR sites. JLR also have ford discount schemes to aid in vehicle purchasing for travel.

Large apprentice cohort to interact with outside of work. JLR has many events such as sports teams. They also partner with the ricoh arena so free sports and music event tickets are given. The chance to support six nations and invictus games is given. Apprentices are given the chance to join special projects such as bowler jlr teamups.

Yes

Great opertunites for personal development. The chance to gain a degree paid for by the company that results in no debt. Opportunity to gain years of work experience whilst completing a degree.

Have practical real world work experience in areas such as engineering/motor vehicles this will support the application process as well as giving you an understanding of the company mentality. Prepare for the behavioural questions in advance they are the same as the ones you will receive online (work experience or social experience is advisable for this)