Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by JLR?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
In the first year this primarily includes attending an engineering college which focuses attention on academic studies such as mechanics, maths and writing dissertations, as well as experiencing workshop activities. There is also a focus on developing computer aided engineering skills through the use of high end software, utilising solid and surface work in preparation for going to plant.
New skills include the use of the computer engineering software, familiarising yourself with the solid techniques and surface techniques and which is better. Also the workshop provides the practical edge where links with the academic side are found. For example you would produce objects using various machinery from drawings similar to what is present on the software.
The programme is a rather interesting take on the traditional university route, and it benefits from being able to directly apply knowledge from lectures into practical environments. Due to the mix of theoretical and practical aspects it's a programme which has multiple areas appealing to a variety of people. It is certainly enjoyable in plant as you get a better sense of being apart of the business.
Due to the first year predominantly being in college, there are only a few times in the year where you get to go to plant. As a result during college, there is less of a focus being involved within the business. Once in plant you most certainly feel valued and apart of the company.
The course is spaced over 6 years, with the first few at college and the rest at university. Time spent in plant, working for the company increases over the year, ensuring that you are applying the knowledge obtained in lectures to the work environment. It is well organised, allowing for people to work at different paces, incorporating studies which would prepare you in plant.
Support is available through fairly regular meetings in college where you are able to discuss various ideas or issues that you may have and the college can aid you in this way. They also provide larger meetings with occasionally the whole cohort purely intended to bring up feedback which may help them be better.
Even though not being present at the plant for the majority of the first year, support is good as they treat you as a fellow colleague and can also get involved with the college if needs be. During plant support is very good as you get a great insight to the job role and department. There is also help available from students who are further down the line of the programme.
The salary is very good, especially in comparison to other programmes and there are also regular pay rises if you are successfully completing the required tasks set. While accommodation is relatively expensive, the salary covers this well and makes it particularly appealing against the traditional university debt route. You also get the added bonus of a vehicle privilege scheme.
There are multiple opportunities including various competitions and activities. Most of these are available for 2nd years and over though. There is a learning scheme which allows you to take up a new skill or hobby which contributes money towards that specific activity. This is available for first years and just gives a hint of the multiple opportunities available.
Yes
The programme is really advantageous over the university route as it enables you to get a degree whilst effectively securing a job at the end and with no debt. It is certainly worth looking into if interested in engineering and/or the automobile industry. It also enables a good blend of the practical and theoretical which is something that may lack in other university courses.
Ensure you have at least a good understanding in the Mathematical subjects within the A Levels and that engineering is something which interests you, as well as learning about the development of the automotive industry in coming decades. It is definitely worth considering over just university due to the obvious advantages including salary, a job and no debt as well as a BEng from a top UK university.
Details
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
East Midlands
January 2018