Apprentice Review

Being an advanced technician apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover means that you must look to learn from experienced technicians wherever you can find the opportunity. My daily schedule involves coming in to work and following experienced qualified technicians on tasks and then repeating the processes in order to ensure I have understood and can complete the task in the future.

Yes, my overall knowledge surrounding how cars operate and how they are engineered has grown significantly since starting this apprenticeship, between working and training. I now have a greater understanding into the production process and what goes into producing a luxury vehicle. I believe it is important that as an apprentice you should look for opportunities to learn wherever possible.

Whilst the programme does have some certain drawbacks, overall I believe that the programme is a great way for younger engineers and technicians to get into the industry and learn from people who have a lifetime of experience and are willing to help you. I am grateful for the opportunity.

The structure of the apprenticeship does require some more refinement as there are certain areas which seem to be overlooked and forgotten. I think that if you are motivated and want to make the most of the apprenticeship then these parts are only minor and with time any problems which are present currently should be rectified as I am aware of improvements which are on the way.

It differs from department to department, with some areas receiving a lot of support and others speaking to their manager a handful of times. I believe that being part of such a large organisations means that if you need it the support will be there for you. At the moment, I feel that if communication was improved between the training providers, JLR and the apprentices then the apprenticeship would be significantly better.

In regards to the practical aspect the training we receive from WCG, the training provider, the training is a great way for young and inexperienced apprentices to learn. However, the theory side of the training is somewhat relaxed and lazy, often at times meaning that you have to teach yourself in order to pass assignments.

I think that the training we receive from Warwickshire College group is somewhat irrelevant to the roles the go into, as design, powertrain, research, classics and events apprentices all receive the same training. However, I think that it does help me have a rudimentary understanding of some aspects of my role.

Not that I am aware. I do know that the Design apprentices attend a works 5 - a - side team on Wednesdays and enjoy playing with their colleagues. I think this is due to them being on a site which has the resources to provide planning and structure for works social activities. Personally this doesn't bother me that much anyway.

Yes

I think that if you are motivated and want to achieve within Jaguar Land Rover, or the automotive industry then this role is a perfect starting block for you, as from my understanding the best engineers have started in the workshops, and this aids their understanding and helps them in their role.

Spend time researching whether you want to be on this course as it is long and does require you to be motivated. If that is the case then look into trying to get work experience or speaking to people which work in the areas you wish to go into as they will have the best personalised advice for you.