Technical Support Engineer- Higher Apprentice Review

I am a Technical Support Engineer within vehicle safety and structural test laboratories. My main role is to aid the design, installation, and maintenance, of test rigs in terms of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical control systems. In terms of day-to-day work this means producing drawings of designs, sourcing parts, and performing fault finding on systems that are misbehaving.

Yes, I am close to completing my foundation degree in automotive engineering and begin my 4 year degree at Warwick in September. I have gained practical skills at work such as electrical wiring, hand fitting, and hydraulic fitting. I have also gained more advanced skills using various engineering software.

The working environment is very good and everyone has made good friends at college and site. I have found most of the course content interesting, and there are strong opportunities to develop at site. However, you cannot directly choose which job you are given so you can end up doing a job you don't particularly enjoy.

I feel I am very valued at JLR; my manager and team leader are very vocal about their appreciation of the work I do for them.

My year is only the second ever year group on the course so there are some remaining teething problems but these are being ironed out eventually. The programme has improved significantly since I started; partly due to apprentice led projects to improve the course.

We are each assigned an Industrial Training Manager who reviews us regularly and deals with an issues we raise with the course or apprenticeship. Most lecturers are helpful and are willing to assist you when you seek help.

My manager is very supportive, approachable, and is always willing to hear my concerns. I feel confident that any issues I raise at work will be addressed.

My salary is more than enough to cover all my costs, and we receive a performance dependent pay rise every 6 months.

Yes, there are (rare) opportunities to volunteer for events through the apprenticeship that allow you to meet VIPs or go to exclusive events. JLR also offers a learning scheme allowing employees to attend learning courses (up to £200) of there choice for free, such as of-road driving.

Yes

It is a very prestigious company that is recognised globally, and is expanding rapidly. Employees are treated well, and receive a very good salary. The apprenticeship offers a great deal to give you a free degree and invaluable real world work experience that graduates lack.

In terms of the assessment centre, be confident and don't shy away from challenges/tasks. Always ask when you don't know something, pretending that you know almost never works out well. Research the company and our current news/announcements.