Powertrain Rig Test Engineer Review

My role involves planning, designing and implementing a powertrain rig test. This includes acquiring and setting up hardware (Engines, transmission and electric drive units), programming test profiles and performing specific tests for customers. These include durability tests, operational tests and efficiency tests. After tests are complete I am responsible for liaising with the customers and handover over the test data.

Since starting my role in the powertrain rig test department at Jaguar Land Rover I have developed a wide range of new skills, including the use of many new types of software. I have developed many personal skills, such as time management, networking and effective communication skills, as well as project management skills and technical skills.

There are many aspects of the apprenticeship programme that I enjoy. My job role is interesting, exciting and rewarding. The block release weeks at Warwick University are interesting and challenging but in general very enjoyable. My day-to-day work can be stressful and frustrating at times, but I generally enjoy fault finding and problem solving.

In general the programme is well organised. There are aspects of the programme that are not very well organised. The training at Warwickshire college was sometimes poorly organised, with lecturers not available for taking classes or providing sufficient information before an exam or a coursework deadline. The organisation for the modules at Warwick University are well organised, giving joining instructions for each block ahead of time and providing links to course notes and information on the online portal.

My employer is primarily responsible for supporting my in my job role. The college and the University are responsible for supporting me in completing respectively training. My supervisor and manager are happy for me to take time during my working hours to complete coursework and/or prepare for exams, and will support me where necessary.

Warwick University are very good at providing support material to assist in the completion of coursework and for preparing for exams. The module tutors are accessible via email and will usually respond promptly. There was less support material available from Warwickshire college, but the lecturers were usually available to speak to in person.

The Performing Engineering Operations (PEOs) completed at Warwickshire college gave me a good understanding of the fabrication processes used in the workshop (milling, fitting and turning). Due to the nature of the Applied Engineering Degree at Warwick University, some of the modules are more closely related to my job role (such as Sustainable Energy Systems, Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Networking & Communication).

While working at Jaguar Land Rover I have made many new contacts and often play football after work with colleagues that I do not work with every day. I also attend the department Christmas parties each year, and volunteered to organise the party for Christmas 2018, where the team (20+ people) went go-karting and for dinner and drinks.

Yes

Jaguar Land Rover is an excellent place to work, with many job roles available for all types of people, engineering and non-engineering, with any level of industrial experience. The apprenticeship scheme at Jaguar Land Rover is one of the best in the country, and has one of the most competitive salaries available. The training provided is of a very high quality, and I would highly recommend an apprenticeship at JLR to anyone considering it.

You must show your willingness to learn when you apply. Jaguar Land Rover are looking for future talent to replace the existing workforce that will be retiring in future years. When applying for the apprenticeship you should show a good level of understanding of basic engineering principles, ideally have completed work experience in an (automotive) engineering company, and have some questions that YOU can ask at the interview, as this shows your level of interest above the average applicant.