Degree Apprentice Review

My role is withing product engineering in the cooling systems department. I currently manage an online catalogue of standard components used regularly in cooling systems which is used in intelligent (associative) CAD modelling methods for delivering vehicle programs. Day-to-day this involves dealing with requests for new parts to be added to the library, validating the part that is being requested, and deciding whether it should be added or not.

I have learnt a little bit of VB and Java scripting in developing some automated notification systems for requests sent to myself. I also learnt a lot of basic to intermediate CAD skills early on in my apprenticeship when I completed a course in associative CAD modelling. I have also learnt how to weld, use a mill and lathe, and rebuild ICE blocks and heads to a basic competency level.

I enjoy it reasonably well. I relish the responsibility I have for my own little project, and the decisions I have to make regarding the management of this. The subjects we learn first in college and then at university I find interesting, especially those regarding applicable information in business or engineering. I find myself a little limited to my department, but I plan to change that by requesting that I go on placement once a year.

The overall structure is very organised - which qualifications I study for in which years and who I report to, and the studying at Warwick University I find to be quite well organised. The foundation degree which we studied at Warwick Trident College was very disorganised however. The lecturers were never quite prepared for teaching a group of students who didn't have lots of spare time available to study in, and the JLR management running our side of the college work were quite useless.

I receive quite a bit of support from my employer. I have regular meetings with a work based learning manager every few months with whom I discuss my progress at work and in my studies, and he has made sure that I know I can talk to him if I were to have any problems. I also have support available from my line manager, who has been very understanding with a personal issue last year, and who gives me regular challenges and feedback.

I receive a reasonable amount of support from my training providers - University of Warwick and Warwickshire College Group - in the form of my work based learning manager (WBLM), university tutors, and regular email contact with lecturers for the modules and university. If I have any queries about examinations or assignments I am free to contact lecturers by email.

The foundation competencies and foundation degree have given me a good understanding of basic manufacturing principles which aids any design work I do. The FdEng also drove me to learn a great deal about the inner workings of vehicle mechanical and electrical systems, and how they are managed in design of vehicles for different functions. The university education has not yet been useful at work, despite how interesting it is.

The apprenticeship and company do not organise any sports or networking events which I have access to, although I know they happen elsewhere in the company. There are events available through university but my access to them is severely limited by my full-time working hours as full-time students normally do sports during the day in the week.

Yes

The high pay for the degree apprenticeship means that it's easy enough to socialise with friends you make on the course. You gain a small bucket full of qualifications as well as any training courses you can undertake while at work, and in most departments there is an option to complete an MSc (in your own time) paid for by the company. Personally I also really enjoy the engineering side of the work.

Don't apply if you're only attracted by the money - lots of apprentices leave who aren't interested in or motivated by automotive engineering and it could be a lot of your life to waste if it's not for you. None of the job roles are every quite what you would expect them to be, the best departments will be the ones with a system setup for your development.