Metrology Engineer Review

As an apprentice working in manufacturing engineering, specifically metrology/ part quality department, the role consists of conducting part quality assessment from a dimensional and cosmetic sense, look at the accurate measurement of vehicle panels and cosmetic assessment for defects. Day-to-day this involves using CAD, using 3D scanning machines to get data from panels and analysing this using other software.

Yes, as my role involves quite a niche area of manufacturing engineering I have learnt skills to do with CAD as well as knowledge regarding panel formability and analysis specific to my field. I have learnt and developed massively in skills regarding responsibility, commitment, adaptability, learning new things, giving presentations, data analysis and presentation and many other soft skills pertaining to a corporate environment.

I enjoy my programme a lot, the mix of university and work allows a good dive into each without being overwhelmed by one or the other. Work presents many learning opportunities and chances to contribute to the team's work developing technical and professional skills, whilst university allows theoretical knowledge as well as mixing with students in a similar position.

The programme is very structured in terms of the dates and order of university and work which is clearly laid out at the beginning of the year. The days and weeks you are off at university and structured, as well as deadlines and exam dates. However in terms of work, the nature of the structure of your working life is at the discretion of your team/manager. Some apprentices go on a rotation of 6-month placements at different teams, whilst others may remain in one team.

From my employer, my team and my manager I personally receive a lot of support and thoroughly enjoy my work dynamic. I can only speak for my individual experience, but I have had great teaching and mentoring by colleagues as well as sympathy for heavy university periods by lightening workload.

From university there is a good deal of support, firstly from the delivery of university lectures and teaching. Due to the nature of university study, it is only expected that a level of independent study is imperative. Support from lecturers outside of lectures varies from module to module, with some extra preparation/ catch-up lectures being available.

University modules are unlikely to be directly aligned to your work. For me personally, I have found statistics modules useful for data analysis at work, also materials modules have helped me with relevant knowledge to my work. Also, other modules relate assignments to our work role and ask us to our experiences at work. Although beyond this there is little real link between university and work, there is more effort by the uni to link to work than would be found in conventional university.

At work, there is little opportunity for this, however there are professional networking events. There are early careers events that do occur, perhaps trips, networking etc. but these are quite rare throughout the year. This however doesn't seem much of an issue as university gives opportunities for these type of activities, should anyone desire.

Yes

JLR has been a great opportunity, the degree apprenticeship program in general is a fantastic scheme. To receive a bachelor's in Engineering from a top university at Warwick, with no university fess and student debt, whilst receiving years of work experience at the same time from a huge, renowned company with amazing facilities and receiving a very competitive salary is an amazing opportunity for an 18-year-old. JLR specifically is a great international company and in my experience I have really enjoyed it here.

Prepare the best application possible, get the best grades possible, as much work experience as possible and present the best you. In terms of interview, prepare well, read around the company and be passionate about your desire to work here.