Degree Apprentice Review

My role day to day is within the vehicular cyber security team. I am responsible for sourcing vehicles for testing purposes, as well as maintaining a cyber security lab for other testing purposes. I have also contributed to team deliverables such as internal standards production and maintenance. On top of this, I teach a cyber security awareness course to other engineers within the business once every 2/3 weeks.

I have had to learn all my cyber security knowledge through work, since my apprenticeship is aimed at general engineering. Through teaching the cyber security awareness course, I have developed my presenting skills considerably. I have learnt general engineering skills such as CAD and matlab through my degree course as part of the apprenticeship

I enjoy learning, both through work and through the official degree program. I enjoy working at the cutting edge of the industry, since being at the forefront of what we're doing is exciting. My enjoyment can be hampered by tight deadlines which can add stress to my working environment

My program is organised quite well within the company, but less so by the actual apprenticeship provider (Warwickshire college group). Ownership within my area has been taken up by the apprentices themselves in order to find information and opportunities. The BEng degree course (taught by Warwick university) is well organised.

The support I receive has been good, but varies from manager to manager according to where I have worked in the company. For the most part, I have been given time to work on my apprenticeship as well as having tasks to undertake for the team, this has included days to work at uni for extra support on coursework.

Wariwck university provides the level of support I would expect from a university, in that help is there if it is requested. Warwickshire college group do not provide much in the way of extra support for the apprenticeship as a whole, i.e. in advice and guidance for NVQ level 4.

My BEng and FdEng qualifications help me greatly in understanding the working engineering procedures of the company and those around me, and allow me to contribute effectively to most discussions. The NVQ level 4 we are undertaking is just a hindrance, taking up a great amount of time that could be used more productively elsewhere.

Most socialising is done locally through my network of peers. this is effective and includes frequent events and informal get togethers. there are also most official organised teams and events, such as the annual team building competition, and the JLR dragon boat racing team based in Warwick and Stratford Upon Avon

Yes

Although the apprenticeship does have it downfalls, for the most part it is exceptionally good value for me as an apprentice. The wage is incremented to be considerably more than most other apprenticeship, and the learning experience of actually working as an engineer will easily trump things such as group work at university. That said, the academic sides of things is supplied adequately, and saves me money as an individual as fees are covered.

The focus is on applying appropriate behaviours rather than just being a stand out student (this is reflected in the fairly low entry requirements academically speaking). It is highly competitive to get onto, so make sure you focus on showing thigns you have done that show teamwork, perseverance, diligence etc, rather than purely school work. Duke of Edinburgh award style activities would be ideal for this.