Body CAD AVA Apprentice Review

On a daily basis I spend a large amount of my day working on a CAD software, CATIA. I am in the Exterior Systems team so communicate with them directly as to which components need producing. Using the knowledge I have learnt from training courses, I am able to produce these components to meet given standards. I always have to opportunity to receive help as each apprentice is given both a mentor and mentor support that they can contact at any time.

My CATIA knowledge has massively developed, from having no experience to being able to produce AVA models that can be applied all over the business. This was due to the extensive number of training courses made accessible to us. I have also really developed my communication skills and have built my confidence immensely when it comes to meeting new people. On a daily basis I will organise and attend meetings with, subject matter experts, technical specialists and senior managers.

I thoroughly enjoy my program. Working in a close team, means I have built really strong relationships which is really important to help enable me to carry out my job efficiently. However we also have the opportunity to communicate with people in the wider organisation too, allowing us to develop our skills further. The environment we work in is also lovely and makes coming to work even more enjoyable.

My program is very well structured. Before beginning in the office, I attended multiple training courses to ensure we were as best prepared as we could possibly be. Since beginning in plant I have undertaken several projects, gradually increasing in intensity and level of responsibility. This incremental process has meant that I am now ready to begin working on program and have the sufficient skills to do so.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have a mentor and mentor support available at all times to go through any queries. I also have a meeting with my Work Based Learning Manager (WBLM) regularly to discuss any issues and to go through our general progress. All managers are extremely approachable and ensure that all apprentices feel we can talk to them about any issue we may be experiencing.

The training provider itself does not offer much support and there is lack of organisation meaning our learning is often compromised. Despite this JLR try to limit the effects of this as much as possible by offering additional support and also is in frequent contact with the college to try and create resolutions for the issues we experience.

Some of the qualifications I gain from attending college are very relevant to the work I carry out. We have carried out modules such as manufacturing, maths, mechanics and electronics that are all very beneficial to our day to day job. There are however other modules that we do not apply as frequently, but these still are very interesting and may become more beneficial in the future.

Yes there are plenty, organised by both the business and apprentices separately. Networking events are put on for apprentices to attend to allow them to meet other apprentices in different departments. Making these contacts can be vital and can be really beneficial in the future. JLR also have a scheme called the Employee Learning Scheme (ELS) where they will allow employees to spend up to £200 a year to learn a new activity or skill that the business will pay for.

Yes

It is a really good company that really cares for the happiness and well being of its employees. There are lots of services available to all individuals that may be struggling in a variety of ways. There is a really good caring community within the business and also due to there being a large number of apprentices, it means many social events are planned.

The biggest piece of advice I would give is to make sure that it really is something you want to do. It is very challenging to complete a degree whilst studying but the support and guidance is provided by the company to ensure you succeed as long as you are prepared to put the work in.