Maintenance Engineer Review

My role within the company is a maintenance apprentice within Jaguar Land Rover Solihull plant. My job is to maintain the equipment on the production line and keep production running. My day to day roles include attending breakdowns, completing preventative maintenance and cleaning the inside of the cells and maintenance pen. I also complete different tasks around the area to help improve it and to make different processes more efficient.

During my first and second years of the apprenticeship I completed level 3 BTEC qualifications in engineering. Currently I am working on my city and guilds qualification in engineering which gives me experience both in practical and theory based tasks. I have also been on a robot course within the company to help me get to grips with the equipment and also an SCA course to give me the knowledge I need to repair the different systems. I’ve also been on an electrical course which I learnt how to wire up a motor control circuit and how the different components within the circuit operate. The skills that I have learnt both in college and in the workplace have been vital in me carrying out my job role within the company.

I really enjoy my programme. I work with people who I would now class as some of my best friends. Also the other maintenance personnel are always there to help you and will explain how the machinery works if you’d like to know. The programme has been beyond my expectations and I really enjoy working in the area. I also enjoy participating in any breakdowns that occur to gain more experience in the area.

Whenever I have carried out jobs for either my manager or another member of the team the work that I carry out is always valued. If the job has done beyond the expectations of the manager you can be put forward for a reward and recognition award which shows achievement within the company. The team always want you to get involved and will call you over if there’s something that they feel will benefit you or something they think you can learn. I always feel that I am a valued member of the team and feel appreciated within the area.

I think that my apprenticeship is a well organised programme. The apprenticeship is run very efficient. When I started my apprenticeship I knew by the first week how the training was going to be done and all the details relevant for support with my studies and who to see if I had any queries. The apprentice team also run focus groups each month to answer any questions that apprentices have and to update us on training courses and college.

When I’m at college there is always a positive approach to work. I have been lucky to have two great lecturers who make it a joy to attend. They help explain the different principles with the course and are always happy to explain any work that you don’t understand or any work you’d like to go in to more depth with. They are also available during lunch breaks and also after college if there are any queries you have that you’d like to talk to them in a one to one basis.

Within the apprenticeship I have weekly meetings with my mentor who supports me with my apprenticeship and keeps track as I progress. My mentor is always happy to help if I have any queries or questions that need answering. I also have an approachable set of supervisors and managers that I can see if I ever need anything or ever need any guidance. They also provide me with feedback on any jobs that I have completed and any ways that the job can be improved

The salary for my apprenticeship is very good for my age. Also I’m earning whilst I’m learning which suits me better than moving away to university. I don’t have many outgoing costs as I still live with my parents which allows me to save most of my wage. I travel 25 miles to my workplace but have worked out a lift share with a fellow apprentice which means travel costs are reduced.

There are lots of opportunities outside of work. I have attended some CSR events at different places which are events to promote the apprenticeship and to let other people know what opportunities within the company are available. There is also a scheme called ELS which is available. This is funding that is there for you to take part in leisure activities outside of work. These are beneficial for learning new skills outside of work and are good team building activities.

Yes

I would definitely recommend the company to a friend if they are interested in taking part in the hands on role as well as studying at the same time. There are many benefits with the company including a good salary, good training, and approachable and friendly employees.

I would recommend that people applying with jaguar land Rover take time filling out the application form and make sure that they have added as much information about themselves in there as possible. I would also recommend that they arrive at the assessment centres dressed smartly and also arrive punctual to the time they were supposed to be there. Within the interview it’s good to provide any previous experience you have which is relevant with the job role you are applying for.