Advanced Cell Engineer Review

Battery cell testing, characterisation, autopsy and supplier validation. This involves receiving samples of cells with potential for BEV and PHEV applications (MHEV and HEV is another role), running a suite of tests to both validate supplier claims and fill it any blanks for the data set required to make an informed decision. Following this, running analysis on said data to compare it against other suppliers and finally autopsying any cells that failed during testing to ascertain whether it was us or the manufacturer who caused the cell to under-perform.

Yes, I can now independently test battery cells, analyse the data and am learning to teardown and diagnose cells post failure. Essentially supporting cell characterisation from cradle to grave. This comes jointly with a better ability to prioritise workloads, work with suppliers and lab technicians and generally manage complex workflows when multiple suppliers need validating.

Mostly, often senior management are unreasonable in their requests, and university can sometimes seem irrelevant and dull. However, all-in-all I'm happy. The programme itself offers a lot of flexibility if you look for it. It can be quite easy to sit and be told what you're doing when, but there are plenty of opportunities to mix it up and try new things if you ask the right questions to the right people.

Relatively well. The programme has since changed for newer intakes - much for the better really. Being shortened in length and with a more targeted approach as opposed to the original "Applied Engineering". The initial stages of Fd. Degree were utterly pointless, but the BEng has been much more productive and professional in its execution.

Plenty, when deadlines allow. The business comes first at times. My manager in particular is well aware of my role as an apprentice and allows time for me to do assignments and has even pointed me in the direction of colleagues who might be able to support me in completing them.

Tutor dependent, most at WMG are quick to respond and happy to help. Others, not so much. The virtual learning environment (VLE) is a fantastic tool that is kept up-to-date as far as I've experienced. The VLE often has answers to most questions and makes assignment management much, much easier.

Not at all. Applied Engineering is far too broad a topic to actually support my work, especially after being in-role for nearly 4 years. Any basic knowledge was learnt on the job and developed over time, any modules that seemed relevant during selection haven't covered anything more than my colleagues taught me before I took the module. It's been more than frustrating.

Nope, but that's my choice. There are opportunities but they're not forced upon you (like P.E. at school was). I do find this is team dependent, the business doesn't offer any convenient channels to organise these things that I'm aware of and any socials have been organised by a member of the team with a bright idea.

Yes

Good pay, free degree, industry experience. Great for new starters and learners. JLR heavily supports initial growth and development. However, there seems to be a lack of appreciation for longer standing members of the company who rarely are given time to explore other areas or develop in fields adjacent to their own. Do the Apprenticeship, or Graduate Schemes; they work great for anyone.

Willingness to make things happen, you'll get nothing if you don't push for it. The company can be very reactive, it's on you to be proactive. An interest in cars isn't necessary at all, you'll pick up an appreciation for how they work as you go. There are plenty of fields so far removed from cars that you'd never know you worked for an automotive firm.