APEP Apprentice Engineer Review

I am studying with Warwick university for a manufacturing engineering degree whilst working for Jaguar Land Rover as an APEP degree apprentice. Generally Monday-Thursday I work with the company , I have been on many placements throughout the business, e.g. Engine Manufacture, NVH, Certification, Body electronics and my home team being Conformity of production. Fridays being a university learning day for studies and to complete coursework's.

Whilst in first year I had the opportunity to do a Workshop Week to work with Lathes and various hand tools with an external provider. Within the company I assisted in rebuilding of an electronics rig for RCM testing, where I was able to work with wiring. I have also completed CAD training and got a track licence , such that I can drive out cars on site and complete Noise tests. Knowledge wise the course had taught me lots about modelling, maths, management and electronics, covering a good general engineering knowledge in my first 2 years.

I think I was very lucky with the department I was placed in and have had some amazing experiences as I can drive our cars on the track and have had the ability to have many placements in any area I show an interest. My manager has been amazing in assisting me with my learning.

As I was the first year on the programme there were a few teething errors, with work based models not aligning with my current work tasks. But I managed to adapt around it so wasn't particularly effected. The course leads try their best to be very helpful and communicative. The majority of module tutors have also been amazing and greatly understanding, very flexible with how they work to accommodate our needs.

Personally, I have had no problems with my department they have been very flexible and understanding with me to adapt my learning with my job tasks. They are also helpful when I have deadlines I have been able to do lots of my uni work at work when its necessary .

Warwick university have had issues with communicating what modules we have to our managers, they mainly rely on us to give information about university weeks etc to them. Module tutors are extremely helpful and flexible to help, Can drop them a teams message at any point and they will respond. Some are better than others but generally everyone it very responsive.

I was placed with a department adjacent to manufacturing despite doing a degree in manufacturing, which initially I though would be constricting. Surprisingly it worked to my benefit and I have seen more of the company than most apprentices with placements. My department have been flexible to put me closer to manufacturing for months at a time to assist my understanding.

We have an ECS (Early careers scheme) at JLR which hosts lots of trips and weekly events so there is a Ski trip, Hiking trip they do monthly Go-kart tournaments, Badminton and dance club ... etc .etc. As well as a Winter and Summer ball, so there's plenty of events going on year round to get involved in.

Yes

I think like every company JLR has its issues but overall, in terms of the learning/ education and experience I have received, I would highly recommend their apprenticeship scheme. I think its a great way to gain a degree and experience in a company, whilst getting a very decent pay-check.

Go for it. Prepare for the interview have a couple relevant projects maybe or interests to talk about and just give it a go. Its a great opportunity for a free degree so may as well see how it goes. I warn you JLR have a giant number of acronyms so if you don't like those good luck.