Degree Apprentice - Body Engineering Review

Learning how to use AVA toolsets to create 'clever' CAD models, which enables cross platform sharing of CAD models, which can be manipulated by changing parameters. For the first year I have been based full time at college, and for the second year I will be based 4 days a week in plant, and one day in college, completing a foundation degree.

I have learned CAD skills on Catia, and have undertaken workshop units including Welding, Turning, Milling, CNC machining, Project management, Business Improvement and Hand tool skills. I have also developed skills such as report writing and Harvard Referencing in readiness for starting at Warwick University in year 3 of the apprenticeship

It is fulfilling, however the parts of college work that are at the same level as A levels can be frustrating. I also do not feel very connected to the company due to the small amount of time first year apprentices spend working in plant, and infrequent business updates. I enjoy CAD training.

JLR are a well organised company generally, and there are adequate provisions in place for apprentices. The induction for the company was well organised and meetings with Work Based Learning Managers are good. However the college used is not well organised and causes frequent confusions with timetabling and the block system is disjointed.

Managers in the workplace are easily accessible and are available at college too. The company has provided apprentices with a number of avenues to find support and has run a number of information events which have informed apprentices about charities which can support people in the manufacturing industry if they are experiencing problems.

The tutors at college are generally quite helpful, and all necessary materials are provided, including information regarding how to approach an assignment. The marking however, can be very inconsistent from some staff members. I do enjoy some aspects of college, especially workshop units, as these are much more engaging and hands on.

Getting a Foundation degree in manufacturing engineering, I feel, is a good step towards studying for the BEng Applied Engineering at Warwick University, and the CAD skills I have learned at college will be important when working on Catia V6 in plant. The foundation competencies give a good idea of skills that will be needed when designing parts for manufacture.

The apprentice committee runs a number of charity based events and community engagement programs that apprentices can get involved in, and apprentices can volunteer to be mentors for others when they reach the later stages of the apprenticeship. However, I am not aware of any sports or social events that are run by the company.

Yes

It is a good scheme to further your career in engineering and as an alternative to full time university, whilst still getting a degree in engineering from a good university it is second to none. The salary is very generous from the start, and opportunities for progression seem to be well provided for.

Be prompt, smart and approachable, many of the people you will meet will be managers or members of engineering staff instead of HR personnel. The assessment days will seem daunting, but approach the tasks logically and they become much easier. Have some questions prepared to ask your interviewer and do a little homework. The onboarding process is relatively corporate, but it is a good chance to meet people in your department, and means that you will recognize some people at work.