Body Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Currently I work in the CAD AVA department within body engineering. On a day to day basis I am given various projects and create AVA models to make the core teams job easier. For example one of my more recent projects included making a check tool for the upper bpost trim to ensure that vehicle safety requirements were being met.

Since coming here I have learnt CATIA skills and am studying CAE in college at the minute. Overall I am much more confident when presenting or giving my opinion in meetings. You are greatly encouraged to go on training courses if and when you can and placements are common in my department to get experience elsewhere in the business.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, especially since prior to this I went straight to university from school and hated it. Through the degree programme I am able to get my degree at a part time basis whilst also receiving hands on industry experience for 6 years - I find it very helpful when applying academic learning to real life challenges.

The programme is very well organised within my department. However the programme structure can vary depending on which department you are in. We are given more than enough support both with work and academic related issues. Training is well structured and there is a thorough induction when you start the apprenticeship programme and when you move into plant.

My manager is very friendly and helpful with any questions I may have. I feel comfortable to talk to him about any issues including ones which may be personal. If you have an issue that you wish to escalate you can raise a HR ticket and these will be directed to the appropriate person. Each new apprentice is given two mentors from higher years who are on hand if needed during your first year within plant.

Over the last two years at Trident college there have been various issues regarding the academic side of the apprenticeship. Information has not always been conveyed in the most clear way and assignments can be vague and misleading. There is very little support sometimes from tutors if you are struggling in a subject.

My qualification has helped me gain basic engineering knowledge and prepared me for the degree that I am about to start in September. From college I learnt basic CAD skills before being sent on training through JLR which gave me a head start in this respect - overall I feel that the college was a rather boring first two years.

There is a very close knit network between the apprentices within my department - last bank holiday there was a sports day organised and then a night out after. There are loads of networking events arranged by apprentices for apprentices and they are a great opportunity to meet other apprentices outside of your own department.

Yes

Overall I have enjoyed the apprenticeship so far - you are paid very well on a salary basis and gain great industry experience at such a young age. The degree programme in my department is structured very similar to the graduate scheme they offer but instead of doing it after studying you do it while you study which I feel is a great opportunity for anyone.

- Show your passion for the job role and engineering in any way you can at interview, whether that be through hobbies or reading - you definitely don't need to only be a petrol head to apply. - Be yourself at the interview and talk to as many people as possible during the onboarding process