Finance Degree Apprentice Review

I work in Manufacturing Finance - completing a consolidation role. This involves consolidating a total view of all our manufacturing costs and reporting this out to the business. I complete some monthly reporting packs for each of our plants and interact with the finance controllers at each site to deal with any requests. A lot of my work is of an adhoc nature, which makes it very interesting and always changing.

Yes - I have been able to develop my presenting skills via having spotlight sessions with various managers and my peers. I have also been involved in process improvement and cost saving activities which have allowed me to present my ideas and findings. Every time I have presented I have received feedback on what I have done well and how I could have improved this. I have also gained a lot of confidence since working at JLR - being involved in many different departments across the business has allowed me to expand my knowledge and understand more of the bigger picture.

The apprenticeship programme at JLR aims to make the best of your time here. There have been massive improvements to the Finance programme with lots more still to be done. Every team I have worked in have been very supportive and helpful. There is a great culture across the company. There are plenty of people to speak to when support is required including managers, mentors, apprentice managers, etc.

Overall it is a organised programme. Study days can be taken to suit you and the work you are doing. Exams can be taken when you feel ready and if you are struggling, managers are very understanding as they want you to do the best you can. General support is very good as well - I have regular catch ups with my supervisor and manager along with 1-2-1s with my mentor. The role rotations from year to year could be better planned and communication improved, but so far I have enjoyed every role I have been in and have had the ability to make it my own.

There is a lot of support across JLR. From managers, supervisors, mentors and apprentice managers. Most people have your best interests in mind and are always willing to help. There is support and understanding when moving roles, studying for exams and work life balance. There are also a lot of networks that you can join for extra support.

BPP are okay at supporting you with studying. Whichever study method you choose, there is always a performance support team you can have contact with. If studying in centre, the tutor is very helpful and will usually allow you to email them outside of lessons and after the course has finished. There is also a learning platform with extra lectures you are able to watch in your own time.

Some elements of what I am learning with my training provider has helped with my day job. Some elements of CIMA are used day-to-day, however most of my knowledge from work has mainly come from the experience of doing the tasks. There are some sections of CIMA, mainly the management accounting side (as opposed to the financial specific accounting), that I see being used across the finance function at JLR.

There are many networks you can be a part of, all of which are accessible on our Yammer group (visible for anyone to join). Social events are always being organised especially around Christmas/birthdays. We have CSR days where you can choose to volunteer your time in the local area and JLR allow 16 hours of this each year. We also have an employee learning scheme where you can choose something new to learn up to the value of £200 (eg courses, team building activities, etc)

Yes

It is a great place to work, from the people to the benefits offered. Most people are here to support you and offer you as much help as possible. The apprenticeship programme is well planned and offers great potential once completed. The thing I value the most from my apprenticeship would be the fact that you are able to move around roles and experience as much of the business as possible and gain as much knowledge of the company as you can.

- Research Jaguar Land Rover - Take your time through the application process and make sure it displays you in the best light - Be confident (especially at the assessment centre) - Think about how you would act at an assessment centre, eg when first arriving, in an interview or group exercise - Try to relate you skills to real life experiences where you can prove the way you are