LTIS Engineer Review

The aim of my job role is to improve the quality and investigate warranty issues of the vehicles produced at Solihull. This involves analysing data and conducting line walks to root cause any problems raised, and then working on problem solutions via working with other teams and departments and applying problem solving skills.

I have defiantly built on useful skills such as team work, problem solving, communication through everyday experiences at work. For example, running meetings, presenting problem solutions in senior meetings has developed mt presentation and communication skills, as well as increased my confidence. Academically I have improved my understanding of manufacturing processes, maths, business knowledge and management skills through college and University study.

I much prefer work at Solihull than being at University or college. I like to be kept busy and learning on the job instead of cooped up in a classroom or lecture hall. But, that is why I chose an apprenticeship over further study alone. So that I can gain important work experience, which is vital to support further study in securing future work.

Organisation and the structure of the programme has seemed very poor at times throughout the apprenticeship program. Communication has been a huge obstacle for a handful of apprentices at JLR, due to the variation in study paths. This poor communication of important information has lead to problems with academic study and qualifications, delays in obtaining qualifications, less time on site working etc. Although, this is not the case for all apprentices, problems like that have caused unnecessary strain on some apprentices.

Support that I have received from my employers has been great. They are always encouraging my work and giving me different tasks and projects to develop my skills and broaden my work experience. Managers are often very understanding and supportive with the study side of the apprenticeship, offering support and help where possible.

Generally, I have not received good support when at College or University. Although encouraging independence is a good way of developing skills, there are some things that are out of your control and you need help with. Education providers commonly over work or have too higher expectations of apprentices, for example, University expect a certain number of self study hours per module, which are impossible to achieve due to working alongside studying. However, working hard and organising your time effectively will greatly improve this experience. Time management is also a crucial skill in the working world, so it is good practice overall. Although more help here and there would be appreciated.

I do not feel that the qualification directly helps me in my job role, but this is mainly because the qualification being provided has to apply to over 100 apprentices all in different job roles. So it has to be broad enough to cover a range of work. There are defiantly some modules that help me in my job role, but there are very few. This will likely be the same for many other apprentices in other job roles. However if after the apprenticeship you move on to another job role, the other modules and qualifications will make you very desirable for other employees.

There are countless extra-curricular activities, social events etc. that are open to apprentices. We are free to attend societies at the university if we like, work socials are always being organised, after work sports like rounders and football. ELS is also available for apprentices which is often used for team building activities with colleagues.

Yes

The apprenticeship programme is continuously improving with each cohort that is employed. So the experience for apprentices is constantly improving with many obstacles being ironed out each year. The qualifications and skills gained from this apprenticeship are very very good, and will help to secure numerous well-paid jobs in the future.

STEM qualifications are important in JLR and an interest in STEM subjects will defiantly help the academic study side of the apprenticeship as well as improve your experience in the many job roles available. Having confidence in interviews and asking the relevant questions is a great start as apprentices are always encouraged to ask questions whilst at work or during study to improve their overall gain from the apprenticeship