Higher Apprentice-Design Model Operations Review

I am a second year Higher Apprentice in Data Integration of Design Model Operations for Jaguar Landrover. This department deals with the manufacture of new designs into real visual properties. This includes using many rapid manufacturing techniques to design and make models varifying from 40% clay models to full scale drivable models. On a day to day basis my job is never the same, my work varies from handling data to export to external companies for manufacture of components, to designed components for the models that are made in house.

I have managed to develop many skills so far in my apprenticehip. Initially the first year of the apprenticeship was speant at college where I completeled a level 2 NVQ in Performing engineering operations which taught me the basics of engineering and a Foundation Degree in Manufacturing Engineering which has included learning about topics such as Materials, Business Management and Project Management. Project management is a skill that has been highly developed which is particularly good for career advancement. Additionally I have completed a job specific course in using a CAD package software, this skill is developed everyday as I learn more tools that are available to use in this package to aid in the design and packaging parts.

I find my apprenticeship extremely enjoyable. The job role that I have been placed with suits me incredibly well, developing creativity and problem solving skills and provides a huge amount of opportunities for advancing my own learning. My department is a motivational and helpful team that all help and give advice to me when I ask.

The work I carry out makes me feel a valued member of the department. Achievements on tougher jobs are recognized and jobs are delegated to me to improve my learning where I have not experienced before. My manager and colleagues make me feel welcome and an asset to the department also.

On our first week at JLR we had an induction going through everything we needed to know academically and work based including the safety information required to going to plant. In my opinion the academic side of the apprentice could be improved. However, the academic side is run through the college rather than JLR, with JLR’s input. The hierarchy of the business is very organized, each department has its structure to abide by.

The training provider offers a good amount of support, if there are any problems with college work we can talk to the tutors for further learning or advice on how to proceed. Additionally each apprentice is assigned an Industrial Training Manager. We hold reviews every 6 weeks 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, and feel that my mentor will go out of his way to solve any problems.

My manager and team are very supportive. Many managers in JLR are ex-apprentices and so fully understand my position and can give advice and guidance from this. Currently, being a second year, my knowledge base is growing and my managers and colleges are aware of this and are all helpful in my development. Additionally I can talk to my managers about my college work which I find useful in sparking ideas when I hit a patch where I need a push to go further.

The salary package is great, one of the highest paid apprenticeship wages I have seen. Every 6 months there is a chance for a rise providing performance and behaviour are all good, which is a great added bonus. This has provided me with the opportunity to move out of my home town to move closer to work reducing travel costs. The travel to work for myself is negligible currently due to a free park and service the company has recently started to that is close to my home. I am based in Gaydon though currently and not many people live close so travel costs may be high for some employees.

There are plenty of fantastic opportunities outside of work to get involved in. JLR offer many corporate social responsibility events to go out into the public to either promote apprenticeships or represent the company in another way which are great to get involved in. Additionally the company is part of an Employee learning scheme, offering this year £200 to put towards a development course outside of work, or activities that can be a blow off of some steam. These opportunites are amazing, this year there have also been a range of free courses to get involved with, personally I managed to get into Rock climbing in Wales, learning to Snowboard and an Advanced Driving course.

Yes

The opportunites JLR offer are immense. There is huge amount of educational qualities such as a fully sponsored degree in engineer, to the career development opportunities within the company and amazing work experience. It feels great to be a part of such a prestigious company and being in the forefront of design and engineering it is great to see some of the great ideas JLR has for the future. The earning of a good wage while learning is a great bonus too.

The first part of the application is an online form to be filled in, spend a lot of time getting this form right portraying the right qualities you feel that the business is looking for that you have. You need to show what you can offer the business and will be the right person for an apprenticeship, including qualities such as willingness to learn and dedication. Do not lie on the application though, this will be obvious and will hinder you. To give you an idea of the time you may spend on your application form, I spent 3 days on mine checking and reviewing to make sure it was right, Online Physcometric tests will need to be completed, do your research and practice tests first. Be yourself during interviews remembering first impressions account for a lot, so dress accordingly. Do your research and show passion for the company.