EDS CAD Engineer Review

Currently having just joined a new team within JLR, I am gaining skills in CAD and ECAD systems. I am coming to terms with the process of electrical harness design. As an apprentice I am slowly taking on more responsibility to take ownership of CAD designs, talking with other departments within JLR to make sure the designs will work.

I have learnt many new skills. Just from basic interpersonal skills and team working. Details on how the business operates as a whole, timings of vehicle projects, the structure of the business. My day to day job skills are growing all the time, I am always offered to use my time to go on training courses which will be valuable to me. My team always want me to develop as much as I can and always offer their assistance to help me grow.

As with every job, there are aspects which are not enjoyable. However, the main aspects of my job is enjoyable and I get a great deal out of it. There have been downsides to the apprenticeship so far. The training provider WCG is not up to the level of teaching JLR apprentices wish for.

There are aspects which could be organised better. The main detail being a new apprentice in a department whom have never had one before. The integration period is very large and the time for work and opportunities to arise took a while to get set up. Also the link between training provider and JLR can be delayed.

JLR is always offering training and methods to further myself. Whether this be tours around other departments or set up placements with departments which link with your job role. There are always more training which can be joined on. The company is very accepting of giving time to allow for completion of assignments or exam revision. They understand essentially degree completion comes first.

WCG is poor. The lecturers are varied in ability of tutoring. The details in lectures can be varied but can be quite poor. The tutors tend not to care once you are out of the class and attitude to assistance can be limited. The college is enjoyable, just because it is a different environment to the workplace.

There are aspects of the training which are used in the workplace. But the workplace uses skills which are very specific to the industry. The background knowledge of automotive and electronics comes in when designing harnesses. Skills from team work and presentations are developed through college and are vital skills in the business.

There is a network set up from graduates and apprentices. There are socials set up. There is limited sporting teams set up for apprentices, however there are many groups within JLR for a multitude of activities. There are professional networking events, which JLR departments will often sign up to. These can be used as team building events.

Yes

The company is a brilliant name to work for. There is continuous push for you to grow yourself and learn more. There is also so many different areas to get learn about and work in. It also is fun, the teams are all friendly and bring you into their groups.

Give it your all, make sure to plan for interviews. The application process includes, online aptitude tests, checking you are mathematically aware. Assessments days are used to a range of different skill sets. These skills include team work, awareness of engineering, problem solving. Within these days there will be a one to one interview where its your time to show yourself off. Prepare what you will talk about. What experience have you got, big or small.