Maintenance Review

I currently shadow other maintenance team members while picking up skills for the job. The job consists of maintaining complex machinery and having a major part in the efficiency of the workplace. I am also creating an NVQ portfolio so that when the apprenticeship is finished I will pick up the qualifications.

Throughout college there were a number of modules that aimed to educate ourselves for the job. Some of these modules included PLC (Programming logic based devices to perform a task) using fabricating machinery such as lathes and milling machines, hydraulics and pneumatics. Topics such as mathematics, business and properties of materials were taught also. With previous experience building track cars I have developed more of an understanding to mechanical tasks.

The college taught a lot more than expected as I use more of the skills developed than I thought I would. The general experience of the learning provider was not great but the skills learnt will go a long way. Currently, I am enjoying the course more than ever now that I am working within the company.

The programme has a good structure to it but the organisation throughout college was inconsistent, there was often times where we were all unsure how much we had progressed or what was expected of us. At Jaguar Land Rover I feel the organisation has been improved with the help of my Internal Training Manager who has great knowledge of the programme and supports us at all times.

The employer is always willing to listen to any issues you have and will guide you well. It is nice to know that the company don't expect to see you fully competent and will have the patience to let you understand tasks first. While based fully at the company I liaise with maintenance team members (IMT's) which feels like a good way of learning as they understand the job well and some have over 30 years of experience.

The training provider do offer a lot of support and the ITM offers a lot of support especially when working through the NVQ. By working closely with the ITM, I feel like I have a good understanding of what the qualification is about and how to complete the NVQ to a high standard.

The qualification through my training provider has given me a better understanding of systems and procedures within the workplace as it doesn't just provide skills for physical tasks, but also gives you a good understanding of legislation and how to be safe at work. Without this qualification, a lot more would be expected of the maintenance members within the workplace in order to get apprentices up to speed.

Jaguar Land Rover offer a lot of extra-curricular activities including charity work, networking lunches and sporting events. Most of these are made known through various means such as the monthly magazine within the workplace and emails with full details. I was part of an apprentice group that set up a stall at a local school, informing children of the possibilities within engineering.

Yes

While working at Jaguar Land Rover, I have developed skills I have had previously, and developed new skills that I never thought I would. I feel that if I recommended a friend to work at Jaguar Land Rover, they would not regret the decision of starting a new career here.

Be honest and show them that you have the correct behaviours as a person. As an apprentice, the company were more interested in thought processes and key personal behaviours rather than the skill levels. Be confident and try to be patient, the process can take a while but it's worth it in the end.