Body Engineering Degree Apprentices. Review

Currently working my way through a foundation degree in engineering at Trident College and some NVQs, outside of term time we are being trained in Catia CAD, exploring all aspects of the company and learning the entirety of the vehicle production process.

Learned a significant amount about CAD, developing both solid and surface modelling techniques. Developed my knowledge of internal combustion engines and how they function, as well as learning to program CNC code. Developing knowledge of mathematics and mechanics, although a lot of what is being taught at Trident College was already in A-Levels.

The time in plant I have so far found to be really enjoyable, everyone in JLR has been really helpful and fun to be around. I get on well with the team around me and we seem to be making good progress.

JLR do a lot to make every apprentice feel valued within the company, the managers always go out their way to ensure all apprentices know everything that is going on within the company, and our line manager is always the first to congratulate us on a job well done.

Everything organised directly by JLR is very well organised, and there is plenty of support available for issues personal or otherwise within the company, there is a clear hierarchy. However, the foundation degree organised by WCG Trident College isn't organised as well- timetabling is poor and some lessons have been badly executed.

Within Trident College some of the support available is mixed. There are some teachers with a positive attitude and willing to help, but there are some that ignore feedback and expect there to be no issues with their work. It is worth noting the latter is in the minority. Outside trident college all tutoring has been great, the subject matter has been really excellent and I look forward to more of it.

Managers are always available to contact and have always quickly resolved any issues we have had really quickly, and have always listened to both sides of an issue before taking action.

Really well. The pay is great and there are plenty of pay rises over the years as we advance through the different stages. Must be one of the best paid apprenticeships around.

I haven't heard of any yet, but that does't mean there aren't any available. The apprentices are all a very sociable bunch and fun to be around outside of work.

Yes

Pay is excellent and offers amazing opportunities, its a really cool place to work.

Focus on your lateral thinking and always take your time when answering questions, the company is definitely looking for quality answers rather than fast responses. The assessment days are no where near as terrifying as they sound and can actually be really fun and ways to meet people who could be on your course. And if you do get in, find a house share for the first year- the WCG accommodations are rubbish.