Road Load Data Measurement Engineer Review

Support of vehicle test measurement activities at domestic and international sites including vehicle proving grounds. Vehicles are fitted with transducers and sensors to record force, acceleration and vibration inputs during specified tests to identify the effect on the vehicle over the expected life of a car and for 'shock' or extreme events testing

Project management skills, customer engagement and vehicle/asset management skills have all been required as part of my apprenticeship. I also have further developed advanced driving skills including off road, low friction and high speed driving techniques to meet test criteria. Presentation skills and practical problem solving experience as well as mathematical skills from my previous role and placements.

I enjoy responsibility over managing vehicles and resources and the diversity of the workload with all different kinds of testing including structural and powertrain evaluations. Access to a range of vehicles and customers with a variety of tests with a lot of 'on the fly' problem solving to ensure work is done correctly to the required standard

Fairly well structured overall, interrupted due to COVID but allows for a good work-life balance; measures are in place to support academic studies alongside normal working patterns and these are very flexible to suit. Some elements have been better streamlined for current/future intakes as some issues with slightly irrelevant tasks to meet requirements that no longer exist which can be frustrating.

Employer support has improved significantly over recent months to match feedback from apprentices and other early careers staff in comparison to previous support levels this has been a significant and welcome improvement. Some issues from other areas of the business and university but these are generally handled well by the apprentice team. Regular contacts to ensure apprentices are being assisted as they should and ensure they are given appropriate times to complete tasks.

Training provider is not as supportive as the workplace and is generally not as understanding, often requiring clarification regarding assessments that have been set and seems to be very little of a standard approach between different staff members with different modules. Often find that assignments are vague or of little help on a broad topic and this is only reflected upon marking.

I feel that it offers me background or an understanding of tasks I carry out in my regular role that I may not understand as well, often I feel my role offers me more insight into academic activities by making it relatable to my learning experience. Greater flexibility to select relevant choices for learning would enhance this.

Numerous extra curricular activities undertaken offered by apprentice teams and the wider workforce including regular sporting activities, social events in local towns and formal events such as balls and networking. Additional learning schemes provided by the company for up to £200 per year for additional learning outside of work on virtually any subject.

Yes

Competitive pay scale including bonuses and overtime allowance for all employees, benefits including a genuine interest in well being for you and family members and good amount of career progression and additional training. Mentorship programs to help with progression and personal life and an understanding employer with a commitment to flexible working.

Be open and honest about limitations/interests early and never be afraid to ask questions or to offer an alternative solution to a problem. Show genuine interest in developing and improving within the are of interest and be clear about your aims with those around you, engage with networks within the company.