Engineering Apprentice Review

My Job role involves working alongside a skilled fitter/tester. There are lots of different sections I have worked in. These range from Engine Test to The Vehicle workshop. In each area I am required to meet a number of NVQ goals. This can involve running a power curve for example by myself or diagnosing a fault on a prototype vehicle and being able to rectify it. Each day is different.

During my apprenticeship I have gained a huge amount of skills. I have gained these not only from work but also at college. The first year of my apprenticeship was initially at college and we were required to complete foundation competencies there. This involved: Milling, Turning, Welding and hand fitting. An experience in each area not only gave me a qualification but also gave me a tremendous amount of experience.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship and consider it to be one of the best decision I have ever made. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone. The experience you gain from work can't be taught in the class room! I very much like the different areas there are within PowerTrain. This gives me variety of jobs and keeps me busy.

In the first and send year on my apprenticeship my area was not organised for the apprentices at all. However, from the 3rd year on it has been very good with well laid out plans and organisation procedures. After every placement now we have a review with our trainer and supervisor. This allows us to improve for next time.

I don't receive a lot of support from my employer. Whether this is for paternity leave or I am unsure of how to do a certain job. My employer will always help if he can nor go find someone better to help me. I am supported in my religion and cultural back ground.

My trainer provides time for me to do my work and will book meeting rooms from me if necessary. Furthermore, my trainer allows me to go to college to complete my qualification with a trained and qualified teacher. I am then able to ask questions about what I am working on knowing I will get an accurate and professional response.

I believe that all the training I receive is beneficial to my job role. For example, my foundation competencies has helped me out a tremendous amount for my job. It allows me to to understand job cards and complete work required from lathes and millers. I always seek new learning opportunities.

I am aware of a football club that goes on outside of work where a lot of JLR employees go to. This is the only one I am aware of and I would like to see more available or more advertised so I am aware of them! I would love to do more social things outside with my work colleagues.

Yes

This is a fantastic apprenticeship and I am really enjoying working here. The variety of jobs and the friendliness of each employee I don't think you will find anywhere else. JLR take such good care of you too. They really value their staff. This can be shown in the ELS scheme and the Union.

Make sure to be yourself and try to stand out! you want to make them remember you. If they remember you the you are more likely to get in. You also need to make sure you are dedicated to hard work and delivering high quality products. Furthermore, make sure to take a step back from the group sometime and rethink situations - don't rush forward!