Advanced Apprentice - Mechatronics Review

First year - five days a week at college studying a level 3 btec and nvq level 2 Second year and third year - one day a week btec and 4 days in the workplace Fourth year - 5 days in workplace doing level 3 nvq and prepping for end of apprentice assessment College includes varied engineering based classes, all hands on in an engaging enviroment, when you get into plant you are placed in a work area where you can specialise and carry out maintenance work

Currently in my first year - I have gained a base knowledge of electronics, electrical installation, tool making, welding, fitting, and robotics to name a few The college allows you to learn by doing and helps each individual with individual needs. The company also allow you to gain skills in areas such as business management and will help you pursue any additional skills you may want to pick up.

Up to now the programme has been great. At the beginning there is little information given even once you are told you get the job, but once it starts the ball starts rolling and you start properly you get introduced to how things work quite fast. The programme is highly enjoyable to anyone who has a base interest in engineering and those who can balance the theory side and the hands on side will thrive on this programme

As I mentioned at the start of the programme there is little communication between the company and yourself but once you get in everything is sorted out quickly, you're put in to a well organised college with a good structure and layout which will cover you for the four year duration of the course

Jaguar land rover will support you more than any company I have previously worked for, they support learning needs, needs at home and anything else you may think of. The company have a great union scheme and great pension. The company also take part in schemes such as ford privalage and cycle to work scheme.

My training provider meets with me once every six weeks and checks up on my overall progress. If I have any issues it can be brought up at these meetings and usually any issues are sorted out quickly. The training provider gets to know everyone personally and wants everyone to succeed as such they will help as much as they possibly can.

The btec level 3 I am studying covers a huge range of topics which cover not only my current role but also information which will be required if I wish to progress to a higher level role in the future. Unlike most courses this qualification covers all factors, mechanical and electrical alike.

Jaguar land rover provide activities such as the jlr challenge each year, run trips to other factories not just in the UK but around the world, allow apprentices to become stem ambassadors and allow for us to complete additional courses while on the apprenticeship. To get involved in things like these you do have to show a keen interest otherwise you can get bypassed quite easily.

Yes

Overall my time so far has been great with the company and I'm looking forward to a long future with them. I've learnt more in the year I've been here than I had in years. There is no different treatment for apprentices unlike other workplaces, from the get go you are one of the team.

Take your time with the application and make sure you show your true colours. At the interview stage be prepared for it properly and try and show not just that you're interested but why you are the best for the job. If you're unsure on anything, be honest, the interviewers aren't there to trick you. They'd rather know you will ask questions when needed.