Rating

8.1/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I am a degree apprentice working in powertrain electrification research. This involves supporting senior engineers in research projects, reporting results, and also being responsible for individual work packages. Daily works can include simulation work, CAD investigation, hosting meetings and defining requirements.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have absolutely developed my presentation skills since joining the apprenticeship. This has gone hand in hand with my confidence when meeting new managers or suppliers. I have also developed skills in CAD and simulation work, but I hope to continue developing further in these areas. I have also been able to learn some more soft skills around interacting with others such as influencing and negotiating courses.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I definitely enjoy the programme. In work I am treated essentially as a graduate or even sometimes a C grade role. This is good as I am always able to feel like my work is having a real impact on the output of our team. The support for apprentices is really good, and people are always happy to help with any questions you have. I think the programme goes above my expectations in terms of the work I do in my department.

    8/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by JLR?
  • I feel very valued by jaguar land rover. I have unfortunately had 3 different managers since joining, however all of these have been interested in my programme and also in pushing me to do the best I can. There is a strong focus on allowing you to shape your career and make sure that the experience is most valuable to you.

    9/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • There is a very structured induction and first year of the programme. This sets you up very strongly with the JLR values and aims to mould you into the ideal employee right from the beginning. This in hindsight is very useful as you join the workplace being very aware of how you are expected to work. There is a clear organisation structure when working in the business, and it is normally clear to understand your responsibilities and who can help you with topics. The academic side sometimes feels less structured, there is a high level plan, but some of the details could be better organised.

    7/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • In the first 2 years you receive lots of support in terms of training. You are full time in the first year so have plenty of contact time with lecturers and workshop leaders. This is useful but I don't think it fully prepares you for the individual nature of learning when in university from the 3rd year.

    7/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Support from the employer is fantastic. I have never felt that there is not someone to talk to if I have a problem. There may actually sometimes be the issue of having too many people to keep updated when you are working on a goal or issue with your progress. I can speak with my direct supervisor, my mentor at first option. Then I could go to my manager or my work based learning manager as a second option.

    9/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • The area of Leamington is expensive to live in due to so many JLR employees wanting to live there. However, even from the start of the programme, I have been able to live comfortably in Leamington. The starting salary soon becomes a distant memory when you begin to get your payrises throughout the apprenticeship as long as you are performing well. Travel costs can be very low if you make use of some of the JLR provided transport/cyclescheme.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • You are always encouraged to take part in CSR events (corporate social responsibility) where you can be talking to potential applicants about the apprenticeship. This is a good way to see how far you have come since you joined. In the first year the social opportunities were fantastic, with many apprentices meeting up outside of work to get to know eachother. Recently I was involved in supporting the 4x4 in schools programme as a careers ambassador. I regularly attend the office karting events, which I would recommend to everyone.

    8/10

  • 9. Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Financially this programme makes lots of sense if you are planning on going to university to do engineering. You come out way ahead of graduates joining the business, and even in my second year I was being given responsibility above that of graduates due to my experience. Jaguar Land Rover is a good company to work for and always allows you to push yourself further. The culture is also changing towards more engineering, so a great time to join.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
  • Focus on being confident with your maths skills, as these are vital right from the get go in the first year of study. If you have a solid base in maths you will be at an advantage all the way until the 2nd year of university. Other than achieving the required grades, JLR is keen to see that you have done engineering related activities outside of you regular study, and that you have the behaviours that they are looking for. I would recommend looking at these on the website before applying.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Engineering

West Midlands

April 2018


View More Reviews
Recruiting? See how we can help you