Degree Apprentice Review

My role is as a PAV apprentice, as I am currently in my first year of the degree apprenticeship program I spend most days in college working on a foundation degree and various other qualifications. During the week spent in plant I am on placements within my home department, which day to day involves leaning more about what jobs are done within the department through practical and computer work.

I have learnt many new manual skills such as turning, fitting and milling within the workshop. I have also been working towards a foundation degree, involving mechanical principles, maths, electrical principles, and materials. This will be followed by a degree in Applied Engineering at Warwick University, which will be done on a block release basis. I have also developed skills on site such as soldering and learning procedures for the inspection of test rigs and set up of these rigs.

I am enjoying the programme to a large extent. The work is usually challenging and keeps me busy, although at times it can also be a little slow. My colleagues provide a strong sense of being a team/small community and the company culture is a positive and inclusive one, although at times there can be negativity that spreads quite quickly. Overall the programme has met my expectations and is proving to be a positive and enjoyable experience

I do not currently feel particularly valued by the company as I feel like I am not needed when in plant. I am sure however that this will change as my training progresses and more time is spent within the workplace rather than the college.

The programme is well organised in some respects, however there are significant moments of disorganisation. The induction programme for the first week was well organised, however the second was very disorganised and involved a lot of spare time and gaps in the day. To begin with the college was disorganised, however this has improved throughout the first year and is now well structured.

Minimal support from some tutors and a large amount of support is provided by others. Some tutors can not do enough to help, whereas others may be reluctant to answer questions you have. Overall the attitude of the tutors is very good, but is sadly let down by one or two who do not give the impression of caring.

Good support through 1:1 meetings, behavioural reviews and work based learning managers being available 5 days a week. Email support is also available form managers within the plant if you should need a question answering they are happy to help.

Salary is very good and more than covers all expenses such as phone bill, car insurance, travel costs, and social costs. Rate for stage pay rises are also given unless we fail to meet the expected standard of work, so the salary keep improving from a very high starting point

No known work events, however going out with colleagues is something that does happen. The location is great for proximity to anything you might want to do, and there are a range of sports clubs in the local area. Car shows are also on most weekends during the summer.

Yes

I would recommend JLR as I feel they are a good company to work for, and the apprenticeship programme offers a great opportunity to work on a degree alongside gaining real work skills and also getting paid for a job role.

Be confident but not domineering during the assessment days, and ensure you know why you want the job before going into the interview.