System Integration Engineer Review

As a System Integration Engineer in the testing department, we test either the physical durability of parts (e.g. the front steering rack) or the functionality of car systems (e.g. braking system). This involves working with a mix of software, hardware and coding to simulate an environment around each test piece and fool it into thinking it is on the road as opposed to on a controlled rig. I work a lot with understanding the different types of signals and microcontrollers (ECUs) in the car, and how these can be manipulated to carry out the test. We use several climate-controlled rooms (-40°C to 90°C), several full vehicle rigs and even a sunlight simulator to test how parts react and function under harsh conditions. Day-to-day, I work with certain software to simulate environments for different tests. As I get more advanced, I will also be involved with designing the rigs (electrical infrastructure, layout, safety precautions). P.S. If you don't know what a rig is, then search up "MTS vehicle rigs" :)

Developed skills using the software I have used (learning the basics of almost 10 different pieces of software used within this role). Developed a lot more professionalism and maturity (including being proactive, talking to manager and asking for more work, communicating/interacting in a work environment etc.). Personal independence (how to manage an income, live alone etc.).

I do genuinely enjoy my programme overall. The university lectures can be long, but love seeing the other apprentices at uni. When I have projects in the workplace, it can be so fun working on them and learning (however you do need to be proactive, social, persevering- as a lot of things go wrong and you need to ask for help many times). On the flip side, things can get very boring if there is nothing to do at work (at which point you have to be proactive and find work (go speak to manager or colleagues, don't just sit there and stay bored). Overall though, the culture and ethos are very good in the company - always prioritising your wellbeing and health.

They have a good induction at university and into the workplace, very well supported. They have scheduled and planned study days/weeks and managers are made aware (mostly). They have feedback sessions and anonymous forms to help improve their processes. Once you are in your day-to-day role, it can be less structured as apprentice experience varies, however support structures are in place if you feel you need more structure or speak to manager.

As far as companies go, they give a lot of support. Plenty of avenues to go through if you are struggling with anything (including any help with independence and living alone), or if you feel you need extra support etc. They give study days every week, and study weeks for university - and on top of this extra study days close to exam periods. Also they have listening circles (feedback to improve) - so are actively trying to improve process for apprentices.

They give us study weeks for university, a study day every week and on top of this they have extra study days close to exams. My team are always willing to help give information (as some assignments are heavily linked/related to your workplace).

As of yet, not much to be honest. However, as I get deeper into both the academic side and the work side - I can see how the content can be applied. For example, agile business structure (scrum framework, kaizen, Kanban boards). However, later technical modules will be more applicable to my work (systems control, electronics).

Yes quite a lot! We have an "Early Careers Network" who host lots of activities from hiking trips, escape rooms, go karting. Outside of this we have different employee set up groups who go for badminton, football and cricket. On top of this, we have a whole range of networks including Islamic Society, Women in Engineering Society, African & Caribbean Heritage Society - they all host events and networking sessions and provide a strong sense of community and representation !

Yes

The combination of a prestigious, global company working on next gen luxury (electric) cars, with the degree achieved from Warwick university (also prestigious) is the one thing that sets this apart from other degree apprenticeships. The company ethos is incredible at JLR, with a strong prioritisation of employee health and wellbeing - and the inclusive culture is very good. As long as you are proactive and make the most of every opportunity, you can gain so much from your time here.

Be genuinely passionate in the interview, sound curious and like you love to learn. Show them you are a well rounded individual, who will make the most of this opportunity (grades are a requirement, but not the only deciding factor - show them you are more than just academic i.e. sports, volunteering, student prefect, part-time job etc.) Interview tips: Research | Preparation | Practice Follow these steps, research the company ethos (creators code) inside out, have examples in your life showing key skills, practice your body language and delivery in mock interviews.