Rating

7.1/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • In the first year we are at Warwickshire College full time. The next year we are part time in college whilst working the rest of the week in the workplace (our department). For me, this is working as a CAD engineer on the interiors of our cars. The following 4 years of the apprenticeship are spent part time at Warwick University and Part time at work.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Both. Within my role as a CAD engineer, I have been on several CAD training courses both within the workplace as well as at college. As well as this I have been encouraged to develop as an individual by networking with people both inside and outside the business. Further, the college modules have generally given me further knowledge in their respective subjects.

    7/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The first year of college experienced several problems with exam marking, setting, and teaching styles and standards. The second year has also caused several problems. Within the workplace I really enjoy my job and value projects I take part in. I believe the standard of training in the workplace is at a top standard.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • I believe the structure of the programme within the workplace is to a high standard. When we first came into 'plant' there was a number of exercises to take part in as well as having several smaller and larger projects to complete. We have work based learning managers working with us in several reviews and who are generally there for any issues. Despite the organisation of the college really being the only negative aspect, I feel Body Engineering and its organisation has done very well with the number of apprentices they have coming in.

    7/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Since starting in JLR I have always known where to receive help if ever I had an issue. We have WBLM (Work based leaning managers) as well as our Lead engineers and managers to talk to if we ever need help. The amount of support from the college has been average whilst in the worklplace, it has been much better.

    8/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • An average amount. The teaching standard at the college has not been to a very high standard throughout our time there. This has been backed up by several other issues about exam setting, exam timing, and exam difficulty relevant to the revision material. Despite this, the college has realised this lack of teaching standard and put on several after work classes.

    5/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • To help people to be brought up to the same level for Warwick University, we take part in the foundation degree at Warwickshire College. The standard of teaching has not been very good with just a general lack of organisation and structure when it comes to assignments, exams, and everyday teaching. Some parts of the course benefit our role such as the CAE module.

    6/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • From what I understand, no. At the University, however, there will be a large number of societies you are able to join to increase your friendship group. At the college there are a few smaller extra-curricular activities however it is more common for groups of friends to organise their own events.

    8/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Overall a great experience and alternative route to take instead of University. Having gone to university before and experiencing the financial and lack of experience struggles, I dropped out to join this course. I feel gaining hands on experience in the workplace is very valuable and will make me much more employable.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
  • Be yourself at the interview process and ensure you talk and network with everyone you can. Try and get as much experience as you can before the job application to make your application glow in comparison to others. This will show you have a real passion for the job. At the end of the day JLR and more interested in you as a person in comparison to your grades.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Engineering

Gaydon

April 2019


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