Rating

7.8/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I work within the Manufacturing Engineering department and my daily tasks involve attending team meetings, answering emails and working on projects. These projects coincide with the work I am doing at university and at work. Doing these projects allow me to put into practise what I am learning in my modules whilst providing solutions to problems to benefit the team. So far I have worked on two projects, involving Wireshark and excel macros. I have also been on placements to the plants in Solihull and Castle Bromwich, to further understand the automotive manufacturing processes.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learnt many new skills whilst on my apprenticeship. Hard skills that I have learnt include python programming, excel macros and understanding of automotive manufacturing systems such as Wireshark and GradeX. The programming was learnt whilst I was at University in the first three months, but I have had to opportunity to develop my python skills whilst working on projects at work. I learnt the other hard skills whilst at work on projects specific to the team that I am in, and whilst on placements at the plants in Solihull and Castle Bromwich. I have also developed soft skills such as time management, teamwork and project management.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I really enjoy the mix of learning that I have whilst at work and at University. This is because I can put into practise what I have done at University into a real life context. However, as I am working as well as studying, I am missing out on some of the experiences I would have had if I was doing a regular degree course, such as living on campus.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The University modules are well organised and our timetables have been given in advance. It has been made clear to me which weeks I will be attending University over the next two years. My manager has also been well informed about my programme and has been consistent with providing me work to do. However, this is not standard across all apprentices and there has been a mix of work experiences across my peers, where some have had well organised work placements and others have not. Communication has also not been consistent in my programme. Details regarding mentors, accreditation and future job prospects have been sparse and both managers and University tutors are also not very well informed about this.

    6/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Whilst on my course I became ill and was hospitalised. My employer and manager were very understanding and handled my return to work in the correct way. I have been well supported by occupational health and there are many things in place to help me with my recovery and in case I fall ill again in the future. My employer are also understanding of the balance I have with work and University, and allow me to take time off work if I need some time to complete University work.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • The University are very good at providing support with my studies. This includes extra support sessions whilst at University and online support just before deadlines if I am on my work block. Support and help is consistent across my lecturers. There are also a lot of online resources on the Moodle page where it is divided into each module, so support for this work can been found easily.

    10/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • The work that I do at University sometimes coincides with the work in my role, such as Python programming. However, there are many things that I do specific to my role which do not link with the work at my University, such as Wireshark and GradeX. These are not taught at University as they are only specific to my role and are not relevant to my peers.

    7/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • I am aware of a few extra-curricular activities at my place of work, but these are not very well advertised. Within my team, there are also a lack of social activities whereas some other teams have regular events such as team meals. The extra-curricular activities at work varies depending on departments and there is a lack of company-wide activities and events.

    3/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I would recommend Jaguar Land Rover to a friend because it is a good company to work for in terms of ethics and company values. It is a nice place to work and there is a lot of support for the employees. The company and the industry is a great place to put into practise my University work.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
  • I would advise others to make sure that they are interested in manufacturing, the automotive industry and technology before applying, because being interested in these will make the working experience much more enjoyable. There is a lot of terminology, technology and systems which are specific to this industry, and those without a genuine interest in it will struggle to enjoy learning at work.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Engineering

Gaydon

March 2020


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