Vehicle Safety Engineer Review

I work within Vehicle Safety. In this department we will do all the vehicle crash testing within the business. I am currently in charge of a test mode on a new vehicle (side crash), so it is nice to have a role with responsibility. I will be linked with other areas of the business including CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and if I am in the middle of a crash phase I will be at different test houses.

Since starting the apprenticeship I have gained a foundation degree in Automotive Engineering and I am currently in the process of studying for a Degree. I have had many training courses to learn about the different pieces of software that we use. I have learn a great deal and my engineering knowledge has improved dramatically

I really enjoy my program, the apprentices all spend the first year together which means you make some really good friends, and within my department everyone is so welcoming and make you feel part of the team. The environment at Jaguar Land Rover is unlike anything I have experienced before as so many people are happy to help in anyway possible. This definitely makes the job more enjoyable

I have already been given a lot of responsibility, this makes me feel valued. At regular review meetings the work I do is recognised, and my manager has told me that she is impressed with how I have progressed.

The program is well structured, but to a certain extent it is up to you what you would like to do. My department would like to send me on different placements around the business, and I have been asked which areas I would be most interested in going. I have regular reviews with the apprentice team to ensure I am up to date with my academic studies and I am still enjoying the work that I do.

The training provider are very supportive and ensure that I still feel safe whilst at work. At my regular reviews they ensure I am provided with the support I need. They are always willing to help and do their best to resolve any problems there could be.

My manager is very supportive. If I need any help I know I can ask her, or I am able to ask any other people within the department. My department want me to go on to achieve the best I can so I am always pushed in the right direction. Everyone is very supportive

My salary is a very competitive salary, and is constantly on the rise. This covers my cost of living, travel costs, I still have enough to go and see friends and socialise, and I am able to save money at the end of each month.

As part of the apprenticeship we are encouraged to go out to events to promote the apprenticeship. I have had the opportunity to talk at the NEC at the skills show and go to the Royal Windsor Horse Show. I have taken up running, and go out regularly with colleagues, and sometimes there will be department meals out which are also lovely to be involved in.

Yes

It is a really interesting place to work and is at the fore front of new technology. The company is expanding at an unprecedented rate which also means there are lots of opportunities to get stuck into lots of different things.

If you are interested in engineering just try and talk about as many things as possible to demonstrate this interest. You are not expected to know everything, you will learn that on the job. They just want to know that you are interested and willing to learn.