Dimensional Engineer Review

I work in one of the Metrology departments of our Solihull site, in a production aligned environment there is always work to be done and new challenges come about everyday, the variation in the work is probably the most exciting aspect. However, this early on to an apprenticeship scheme that hasn't been verified in my department means that until we are in plant full time, I am unable to take on any large projects.

Before starting the apprenticeship I had next to no practical skills and was largely based around academic. The initial year is the basis for all the knowledge and skills you might need and from then on you are just developing certain skills are inline to your department's needs.

There are certainly days that might be quite sparse or doing jobs that you don't enjoy but overall the attitude has improved. There have also been complications with the Trailblazer aspect of our course, as it's a trial run there have been plenty of issues that have affected us directly.

I feel like my contribution, although smaller then I hope it would be at this stage, is valued and that the team appreciates the help they can get. It'll be far better when I can influence decisions more so then I can now. There is also a real drive for Higher Apprentices as can be seen from several departments taking on dozens each year.

Being the initial trial run of the Trailblazer programme there have been complications such as colliding subjects, doing some we shouldn't be and not doing some critical ones. The information of the degree side of the programme is also a grey area and we are not aware of many of the facts.

If I ever require anything from my manager or the company, most of my issues are resolved fairly quickly. This is more the case when it goes through the company management chain rather then the Apprenticeships. The apprenticeship course is currently understaffed for the demands and amount of apprentices that have been taken on.

I receive a large amount of training from my Line manager and additional training can be sought from the intranet if required. Try to expand your potential, but also focus up to a point on your current field as there is always a partial skills gap.

My style of living has increased alongside my salary, although the salary is very good for our age and jobs role, it just seems like it's keeping up with my personal life. Current issues however are revolving around rent etc, so each bi-annual pay increase is very helpful.

There are always social events occurring in JLR, it just depends on how far you wish to get involved.

Yes

Mainly for the potential in the future, the only aspect that will be missed is the Uni life experience, although if you go for this course then you won't be worried about paying back tuition fees.

I would recommend that you try to come across as keen for the job as possible, show signs of potential management and make sure you get everybody involved.