Objective test engineer Review

I work as an objective test engineer within driving dynamics. This involves projects looking at creating metrics against tests, writing test procedures, and looking at methods and tools to process and use test data collected.

Through the apprenticeship I have already gained a foundation degree and a collection of NVQ level 2 while I am in my final year to complete my NVQ level 4 and Bachelor's degree. These are all on top of my knowledge of the dynamic behavior of a vehicle and it's communication system.

I enjoy the high level of challenging work a do on a daily basis and the use of lectures from industry during my university weeks. It is tough to try and find a balance between work and university study but I have found that there is support from both sides to help.

I feel valued by my team and manager due to the level of responsibility I am given and the trust I am shown. This was down to putting in hard work and finding the team that suited me best within my chosen department.

I joined in the first year of JLR running the degree apprenticeship and felt that there was a lot of teething problems. I can see that this has improved greatly though. This is because I have been involved in presenting at apprentice share fairs ans shown new apprentices' the work my department does and spoken to them about how they now have organised placements.

I have a training manager who used to work as an engineer at JLR before is current role in the apprenticeship team. I feel that I can get a huge amount of support from him for help with my NVQs and any questions or concerns I have. The online resources provided by Warwick University really help while completing their work while not in university.

I feel a great deal of support and understanding of my situation from my manager and team. They understand trying to balance the university and are happy to move my work around to accommodate for it.

The starting salary is round £20k pa with around an £1.5k pa rise every 6 month if you keep up with all academic work and no large issues on site. I work at Gaydon and have been able to buy my own home in Warwick during 4th year (was living with parents before this).

I play football weekly with people from work and there are always go-karting and other sporting events advertised to take part in. There are lots of clubs and teams to join in Leamington and surrounding areas.

Yes

This is due to the resources JLR put into developing an employees' skills and the large range of work the company does. The pay and company benefits are really good with the opportunities of working abroad and flexible working hours.

JLR is a large company needing a wide range of skills so you don't have to be someone who is massively into cars. Show what you are passionate about and what you find interesting. If you are successful and get offered an apprenticeship, I would take as much time as possible to research what the different departments do and talk to as many people at the share fair as possible.