Rating

6.8/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • In the first year of the apprenticeship, I was in college studying for the foundation degree and NVQ modules full time. Then in the second year I started in plant for 4 days a week with one day in college on block release. My role as a CAD engineer involves scoping for and designing robust CAD models that can be used easily by other engineers in the business. This means that I get to network with a lot of other engineers to understand current processes and design methods, and generally work as part of a team most of the time.

    7/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learned how to use CATIA V5 and V6, and have also learned some basic scripting which has been required for some of my models. Before starting this apprenticeship I had never scripted or used any CAD software, but I picked it up very quickly and feel quite competent, mostly thanks to my lead who has been really helpful. I have also improved my networking and presentation skills.

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I enjoy the work side of the programme a lot more than the learning side - I feel that the foundation degree in college isn't run in the most efficient way it could be. The delivery of modules and communication from the college hasn't been up the the level that I had expected prior to starting. However, I'm looking forward to finishing the foundation degree and progressing on to the bachelor's degree at Warwick University.

    6/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • From the outset we were provided with a clear structure of how we would progress through the learning programme - with the first two years in college, and the last four at Warwick University - along with guidelines of how we would work within the business. I think my department in particular are very organised in this respect and has inspired other departments to adopt a similar model.

    9/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I receive as much support as I need from my employer. Any problems that I've had have been resolved quickly and help is always there when I need it. I have regular meetings with my work based learning manager and my lead where I have the opportunity to ask for help and highlight any problems.

    8/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • I feel like my training provider could provide more adequate support than it does currently, as in a couple of modules my class has had very little teaching and as a result has under-performed. I think the teachers themselves try to do the best they can but there doesn't seem to be a solid structure to the module curriculum which leads to confusion and uncertainty.

    4/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • In the first year, the CAD module helped prepare me for my role in work, as I hadn't used CAD before. I wouldn't say that there's been any other module that has distinctly helped me with my role in work, however I think that the array of subjects taught are good in terms of producing a well rounded engineer, such as mechanical principles and engineering business management.

    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.)
  • I personally am not involved with anything extra-curricular at work, however I am aware that there are a number of groups and clubs that people can get involved with, such as netball and five a side football. Networking events and similar activities are often communicated via email and employees are encouraged to attend.

    6/10

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


  • 9b. Why?
  • I really enjoy my job role and have learned a lot since starting my apprenticeship. Working at JLR has given me a wide set of skills that I wouldn't have learned at university, and I feel that I have a solid career path and look forward to working for the business in the future.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
  • I would say to anyone applying that you should firstly get your application in early, and make sure you're prepared before you sit the aptitude tests as they're quite difficult. Also make sure you research the business prior to your interview/assessment centre, and go in with a positive attitude.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Engineering

Gaydon

April 2019


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