Degree Apprentice Review

My role includes a wide range of different engineering experiences. On the apprentice scheme I do not have 1 specific role, instead I rotate around different departments which gives me a big insight into the business as a whole. It also allows me to interact with a range of people and build my network. Recently I have been involved in the Launch stage of a project, working on Launching D6 engines, but I have also been in Test Engineering which was very technical working on testing engines. I have enjoyed all of my placements and have 1 more year of rotations before I settle down into my own department (which I can choose).

I have developed and learnt new skills. I have been very interested in personal development and personal growth and working with mentors at Jaguar Land Rover, I have been able to work on and develop these skills. A big one for me was presenting, I was very nervous presenting at one point, and now I am able to frequently step up in front of managers to present what I have been working on. Another big one for me is my networking skills. A big part of your success in my industry is the people around you, and building a good network has been key for me to succeed. I have also gained professional qualifications from Warwickshire College and currently studying for my degree at the University of Warwick.

I do enjoy my programme, however it is very difficult at some points. I really enjoy working at such a young age. I am uncommon at work and everyone wants me to succeed as I am still such a young age (21). The team and company culture is very supportive. The only downside is the shear workload from University. I have regular exams and assignment so when everyone else leaves at 4, I am frequently in the office revising until 6 or 7 before I leave to go home.

The programme is very structured. The training and objectives ere set out and made very clear at the beginning, and the support is there to help me thought it. I have quite a structured and regimented approach to my studies so I am able to keep on top of my work. There are also mentors and managers at work who help out with my uni work by ensuring the team has very structured days and delegates tasks well.

This varies within each department that I visit. Some managers are very against doing University work inside work hours, but some are more understanding and allow me to work on studies if we have a down day. I dont really have much contact with the HR team however, I have frequent 1-2-1 discussions with my mentors about how I am getting on and the general support towards helping me is very very positive.

The training provider does give me support, I have a personal tutor at Uni and there is frequent revision sessions at uni to cover exam materials. The only downside is that due to me only being at Uni 1 week in every 6, and I live very far away from the University, I am not able to utilise these facilities to the best I could. But there is support there for people to take advantage of.

My Degree has been specifically chosen to allow me to perform in work. My Degree is in Applied Engineering and I am able to link the vast majority of my studies, straight to a project or concept I am currently working on. This helps in reverse, as I have the first hand experiences and knowledge to my assignments and studies in work. I do know more about my job role and industry as a result of my studies.

There is a range of peer lead activities which I can get involved with such as Football or photography groups. There is also an Employee Learning Scheme, where employees are given £200 to use on any training or personal growth that they want to choose. Jaguar Land Rover also put on Corporate Social Responsibility events which employees can attend to support the local community. There isnt too much as company wide events which is a shame.

Yes

Jaguar Land Rover has given me a massive opportunity to grow and develop at such a young age. The very structured approach to business and engineering has allowed me to develop myself in a short period of time. I really enjoy coming to work as the support culture of the company means im never left on my own to struggle. The University course is demanding, and sometimes I wish I went down a conventional university route, but overall I am extremely happy with the decision I made to come here.

Jaguar Land Rover thrives upon the behaviors of its employees. Obviously a minimum requirement of grades must be met, but without the correct behaviors and mentalities, a student will not progress. We have our 5 customer first principles, which are all about how we treat each other and how we interact with our customers. My biggest bit of advice would be to learn about these from the website and ensure you meet this criteria before applying.