Higher Apprentice Review

My job title at Jaguar Land Rover is Higher Apprentice. For the first two years of the programme I work towards a foundation degree, and for the remaining four years I study towards a BEng in Applied Engineering from the University of Warwick. My department is called Vehicle Configuration and Testing Systems (VCATS). VCATS is an essential department, performing various tasks to ensure the car is electrically sound. During the past two years of my apprenticeship, I have carried out projects in all the sub-departments: coding, hardware, forward planning and data. Due to being an apprentice my daily tasks vary and I interchange regular between the sub-departments. For example, one day I could be investigating why a vehicle is continuously failing and the next day I could be on track watching the new model years come through to make sure there are no issues with our section.

Being in full time employment at eighteen rapidly enhanced a multitude of skills. Although I would say my communication was at an average level to begin with, being involved with team discussions on a day to day basis, as well as leading projects has strengthened this skill. This skill has also been applied outside of the organisation. I currently play at a high level of women’s football, and I now have no worries about approaching my manager about issues that have arisen. Furthermore, due to balancing a full-time job with academic studies, a good level of organisation has been an integral part of my success so far. Academically, I am nearing completion of my foundation degree. During the apprenticeship, I will also gain Level 3 and 4 NVQ’s.

Whilst in plant I really enjoy my time. My team are mostly ex-apprentices so understand me well. They will always get me involved in tasks they think will enhance my learning. The education side of the programme can sometimes be a bit momentous as the level is sometimes quite low, for example in the PEOs. However, I understand why we have to do them so there is no issue.

My manager has made me feel a part of JLR. He has created a placement plan, so I know where I will be at all times during my apprenticeship. Although he is very busy, he will put time aside for me. For example, I had an assignment from college on the finance of the company. He laid half an hour aside and went through everything I needed which was useful. Recently, my college mentor has nominated me for Apprentice of the Year. This was an honour, as it shows I’ve been recognised. I’m currently waiting to see if I’ve got through to the next stage.

On our first week at JLR we had an induction. This went through everything we needed to know academically and work based. The first week was also when we chose the department we would like to be in. I think academically the organisation could be better. However, the academic side is run through the college rather than JLR. At work we have our manager who is top of the hierarchy, then we have leaders of each sub-group. Underneath them, are around three to four people. At the end of the apprenticeship I will have to decide which sub-group to join.

Every six weeks I meet with my mentor. We do a full review which usually lasts for around an hour. In this review we go through what I’m doing at college and if I need any extra help. I like my mentor, and feel I could speak to him about any problems that I have.

As mentioned previously my manager and team are very supportive. My manager is also an ex-apprentice so fully understand my position. For now, I’m just trying to learn as much I can within VCATS and from my placements with other departments.

Due to being based on Solihull, I have remained living at home due to the plant only being ten miles from my house. Therefore, costs are low. If I am required to go to another plant expenses are paid. I think the salary is very good.

The opportunities outside of work are fantastic. Recently, I was invited to London to support the Business In the Community (BITC) event. JLR were required to showcase their products and explain how this award has influenced company decisions. As Prince Charles is president of BITC, he attended the event and was very keen on the two vehicles we had on display (Jaguar CX-75 and Range Rover Hybrid). The event was a brilliant experience. I have also represented JLR at many schools. I enjoy giving my time to these events as the students appreciate the time. Usually, I give a presentation about the apprenticeships we offer then man a stand with information booklets on them. At most events I've been to, we have usually been one of the busiest stands.

Yes

Jaguar Land Rover is a fantastic organisation which is only on the up. We produce some of the most iconic cars on the market, and to know you have played a part in them is a proud achievement. Once you are in the organisation, there are some really good benefits such as the pension scheme and the car privilege scheme. On the apprentice scheme all the qualifications get paid for as well as gaining industrial experience at the same time.

The first stage of the application process is to apply online and answer questions about your experiences. If you get through this you then have to complete an online psychometric test. The final stage is the assessment day. Here there are numerous activities such as the interview, group exercise, practical exercise and fact finder. After your assessment day you are informed in two weeks whether you have received an offer. Sometimes, as in my situation, the offer was pending my A level results. I think the application process was quite straight forward. Recently, I went to support an assessment day where the apprentices could ask me questions. This is good for the apprentices as they will ask me questions they may to be too nervous to ask a senior member of the organisation.