Quality Engineer Review

Liaising with suppliers to resolve quality issues and ensure parts of the required quality are available from suppliers for uninterrupted production of vehicles. Working internally with other departments in the business to support where needed. Creating reports for KPI's and performing data analysis to aid in continuously improving key areas.

Developed an understanding of material analysis in my university studies that I can use when performing root cause analysis for suppliers. Developed data analysis skills, primarily in Excel and Power BI to support continuous improvement and increase visibility of key issues. Developed my speaking skills, presenting data and answering questions.

The people are excellent to work with, very knowledgeable in their areas and always happy to support and share with their apprentices. Colleagues treat their apprentices as equals. The company culture as a whole can be political and bureaucratic and at times it can make it frustrating to get even simple tasks completed - this is true of any modern large company however!

Studying is well organised with a set degree program taking place on set days each week, managers allow apprentices to set aside time for study. Support from colleagues and mentors is excellent, however the program lacks structure and it's difficult to find out what other areas of the business exist, what they do and how to contact a relevant person regarding secondments.

Managers are very busy and sometimes this means they have to prioritise over supporting you, however when they do the support is excellent. Quite a steep learning curve at the start, however there is good mentorship and colleagues are patient and willing to take the time to explain things in detail.

Lecturers are knowledgeable and try to be helpful however some struggle to communicate difficult topics and it can make the more academic side hard to get to grips with. The support staff are very supportive and can always be relied on if you have a general query or need to give one of your lecturers a nudge.

My studies are very relevant to my work and get put into practice regularly, performing materials analysis in order to identify the root cause of a component level failure. Workplace projects help to bridge the gap between university and work by ensuring that what you are doing at work is relevant to your degree.

Yes

Good salary and pension. Colleagues are professional, welcoming and support each other. Interview/Assessment days are well run and help to make the day feel less high pressure. The working facilities and environment are clean and nice to work in. Opportunities for travel (including internationally) within the group to other plants or to external events.

Write a good cover letter and prepare well for the assessment day.