Degree Apprentice Review

My job title is Degree Apprentice, I currently go to college on Mondays and then work in the engine manufacturing centre for the rest of the week. On My apprenticeship I complete different 3 month placements in different departments so my day to day tasks vary every day. I shadow other engineers but also get time to work interdependently. I interact with many different aged engineers with a variety of backgrounds, which is very interesting. I also interact with different vendors via phone calls. As I spend more time in each department I start to have more and more responsibilities within the area. I also have responsibilities academically within my apprenticeship.

I am currently working towards my Foundation Degree with Warwickshire College, along with an NVQ level 2 in workshop competencies. I am able to attend various different training courses with Jaguar Land Rover, the latest being ergonomics training. So far, I haven't had much training externally, outside of work or college, however next year I will start my degree with the University of Warwick. I feel that I have developed my professional skills, especially communicating with vendors, which I have found myself doing a lot within my current placement. I have developed my workshop and basic engineering skills, using a milling, turning, and CNC machines.

I enjoyed my first year at college, however now being on day release, I feel that the day is full of different lectures, which we rush through the workload and brush over important details. I enjoy working more than college, I am trusted with my own project, and have support from my team who want to see me succeed. The company has a no blame culture which helps teams work together. This second year of the apprenticeship feels like a step back in my expectations, however I am still looking forward to attending the university of Warwick next year. I am enjoying my time working in different placements at work. It is a great way to have an insight on how the business works as a whole.

I feel my manager, along with other engineers like to see me succeed. I have full support at work both from my manager, and my different placement managers when working in their departments. I was recognised internally by coming runner up in Employee of the month in December. I feel valued within my current placement, as I am asked to help out and attend different meetings with my manager and colleges.

I had an induction week both at college and at work, to explain how each system works. It was very informative and well structured. I have the opportunity to attend various training facilities, which I feel have been organised very well. I am constantly given full support by mentors and managers in both studies, and work. There is an organised mentor system where I meet with my work based learning manager every 6 weeks. At work I have a plan set out for my next 2 years of placements which has been very good so far.

At college I have a work based learning manager, who I have regular meetings with to track my progress, both academically and within work. I have good guidance from any problems I raise within College. They have a good general attitude with supporting me at college as they know that there is a heavy workload with college assignments and having a full time job.

I also have a mentor within work who I meet with to discuss my placements, how they are going, any issues I have or any other queries. I usually have very good guidance from my manager with any issues that I raise. Everyone has a good general attitude for supporting me as I feel they want me to succeed. The HR team are usually good at sorting out issues, after a few emails.

I still live at home and commute from Derby to Wolverhampton every day so I feel that my living costs are fully covered by the salary. The wage is very generous for someone of my age. The location is also very accessible, just north of Birmingham means its very central, but just about avoids the rush hour traffic. There is also a pay rise every 6 moths on the course.

The Team Improvement Circle (TIC) is a competition where we run a project and showcase the improvements. There is an opportunity for the winner to travel to Brazil to showcase their ideas. There is also other various activities outside of work, such as Formula E, or CSR events to help out the local community. There is good discounts on different leisure and sports clubs.

Yes

I have really enjoyed my time working for JLR so far, spending time in different departments means that everyday is different, and even if I am beginning to get bored, it wont be long until I move on. The salary is very generous here, and the most beneficial thing is that I will end up with a degree along with 6 years of work experience with JLR.

The application process is very long, so no news is good news. There is online test which you do not need to revise for, just stay relaxed and you will do fine. Once you pass the test you are invited to an assessment day. There is a range of activities there, such as a team activity and 1:1 interview. Make sure you play to your strengths. Another good point is that usually the interviews are nervous as well as you, so dont worry about that.