Engineering Degree Apprentice - Chassis Review

I am in the first year of my degree apprenticeship so I am studying at college for a foundation degree and then during the college holidays I am in plant doing placements around my department. In the coming years I will be going to university and working at the plant.

I have managed to develop my existing practical skills through the modules taught at the college. I have also managed to develop my interpersonal skills by having the opportunity to work with other people and then reflect on myself via the behavioral reviews set up with the work based learning managers. The WBLMs help with any issues, as well as encouraging you to develop yourself.

My programme has started off well however college moves a bit slowly after just coming out of sixth form. The work in plant is enjoyable and I have managed to make many new friends that make the programme even more enjoyable. Working at JLR is very enjoyable in general and the working atmosphere is brilliant.

The programme is well structured, however at first the college staff were a little disorganized. This was quickly resolved when mentioned to the JLR team within college and now the system runs smoothly. The rest of the programme's structure has been layed out to us clearly so that we know what we will be doing at different stages in the course.

JLR offers more support than I could possibly ask for. The well-being of their apprentices is one of their highest priorities and so the apprentices have access to any support that they need. Apprentices are regularly reminded that the business is there to support them through business updates and through the team at the college.

JLR is always there if we need support and will do whatever they can to give us it. JLR gives us plenty of time for our work outside of plant and responds quickly to any requests that we have regarding the qualifications work. Jlr also actively encourage the college to support the students.

My qualifications will give me a better understanding of the fundamentals behind my job role, as well as the understanding of how machining and manufacturing takes place. My qualification gives me the base knowledge that I can then build upon with my work in the plant in my future job role.

There are opportunities to get involved in extra curricular activities in college or in plant with work colleagues. People are always open to others joining in or encouraging new people in to join the in activities. Employees are actively encouraged to work together in teams in team improvement circles to help improve the business.

Yes

JLR is a great company to work for who respect and care for their employees. As far as apprenticeships go, the pay is very good and you are not swamped with work. Everyone is very friendly and the apprentices always have a good time together. The college attitude great and the lecturers are friendly and always there to help.

If you are interested in engineering and you don't mind working hard then this is a great way to get into the industry without debt from university. The company is great and treats it's apprentices very well so you always feel welcome. Even whilst we were at college and away from plant in the first year the company held business updates for us to help us to feel included in the business.