Higher Apprentice Cost Engineer Review

I am an Apprentice Cost Engineer. Cost Engineering looks at all parts and sections of the car that we buy in from suppliers, we look at the processes by which these parts will be manufactured and therefore the price that the part should be charged at, we then provide technical support to purchasing in trying to reach these costs. On a day to day basis I make cost estimates of our own parts, competitors parts, visit suppliers and interact with engineers and purchasing. It is my responsibility to make sure that the estimate I produce is as accurate as possible so that we can get the best cost savings possible.

I have learnt and developed many new skills during my time as an apprentice so far. Firstly I have done a number of qualifications including an NVQ Level 3 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. I have also completed a comprehensive training course in Negotiation Skills, which has been specifically important for my job role. I also completed an online course in Cost Engineering Processes with Cranfield University and gained a distinction. On a more personal level I have improved my communication skills and I have gained a great deal of confidence from my apprenticeship so far.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship, the job role that I have been placed in suits me incredibly well as it mixes maths and engineering, which plays incredibly well to my strengths. The team in which I work is an incredibly motivational team, which is growing rapidly and is therefore a very exciting team to be part of. The apprenticeship so far has met my expectations very well.

I feel very valued by Jaguar Land Rover, I feel as though the work I do and the achievements that I have made at work have been valued and celebrated by my manager and the other people I work with.

My programme is fairly well organised and structured, the induction into the programme was well organised however I felt as though some elements were missed out and some were covered in too much detail, however I understand that the induction has now been adapted slightly to address those needs. The external training and studying that I have done has been run by Warwickshire College so far and I feel that a great deal of work needs to be done to the organisation in order to get it up to the standard that should be expected by Jaguar Land Rover. The support that I have had from mentors has been well organised. The time I have spent at work has been organised in an exemplary manner, I have been set certain placements to make sure that I spend time in all of the areas of the department and the projects that I have been set whilst in these placements have been structured well.

I receive a little support from my training provider, we have the emails of all of our teachers and can therefore contact them directly with any questions we may have however not all of the teachers are very good at responding.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, my manager is very supportive in helping guide me in the projects that I have been set and my mentor has been incredibly supportive in making sure that I always know what I am doing and have the information that I need. I haven't had any specific support from the HR team since I have been in work but I know who I need to contact.

My salary meets the my costs very well, I think that the wage we are paid is very reasonable as it covers my living costs, travel costs, daily and social costs and leaves a little left for me to put into a savings account. The other benefit of being an apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover is that my wage increases by 6-8% every 6 months.

There are opportunities outside of work, a couple of moths ago I attended the Midlands Engineering Dinner at the ICC in Birmingham along with other apprentices and graduates, it was a very prestigious event and I was very honoured to be attended. There are also many other opportunities outside of work however I already have a very full life so don't necessarily have time to fit anything else in.

Yes

I would recommend Jaguar Land Rover to a friend because I think that it is one of the best opportunities you could get being able to work, gain experience and alongside that get qualifications including a degree from Warwick University.

I would encourage people who are planning to apply for a Jaguar Land Rover apprenticeship to try and get some work experience with the company or a manufacturing company so that they have more experience and more to talk about in their application and interview. I would also encourage young people to be themselves at an assessment centre because the people who are watching have done it many times before and will be able to tell if someone is putting on a show.