DTS Degree Apprentice - Software Review

My role is a Software Engineer who works as part of the Driver Modes team in the Body/Chassis Department of the business. I am currently put on projects which mostly include resolving issues found within software models through simulations and finding a mitigating response towards it. Being put on numerous projects is beneficial as it broadens my knowledge and understanding on different parts of the products and functions, and how they work.

I have learnt many skills both as a professional and as an individual. Working at JLR has allowed me to be in positions where I can harness communication and presentation skills through conducting presentations in team meetings or acting as points of contacts between teams in the business. I have also learnt key skills regarding my profession, such as the use of MATLAB and Simulink, how to use models and run them through Vector CANape and how to use RMDV tools.

Although it is difficult to maintain a stable work-study-life balance, it is very enjoyable as work does assist with this through the use of Academic days provided every week. The programme is enjoyable as I get to partake in opportunities such as working on rigs, or running software on prototype vehicles and even trying them out on the off-road track every now and then.

It is very well structured and organised as both JLR and the university work together to accommodate for our studies. We follow a 5 week for working, 1 week for study structure so we still get to experience the "university lifestyle". However one issue is that half of the study weeks are based online, meaning that you are pretty much staring at a laptop for 7 hours of the day for the duration of Monday to Friday. However, this does have its benefits as you can be in the comfort of your own home whilst studying, meaning that you are more relaxed and can manage your time a bit better.

We receive an Academic Study Day once a week (usually Fridays but this varies with your line manager). We also receive the University Week. Both of these weeks are also paid, and your degree is paid for by JLR so you do not have the stress of dealing with Student Finance. My line manager is extremely supportive as he always attends my university tripartite meetings, and he offers me as much support as he can if I feel like I am starting to struggle with University deadlines or have too much work to do.

Lecturers are very responsive and they do try to offer you as much support as they can. They are on hand majority of the time and they do try to take on student feedback as much as possible. The one thing they can do better would be releasing timetables for the academic year in advance so apprentices who have younger siblings in school can play family holidays in accordance to that.

It does have an impact but this really depends on the module you are learning and what your role is in the business. As a software engineer modules such as the Software Development Life Cycle or Databases Module are extrememly usefull and compliment my role well, but modules such as Information Business Management Operations and Networks do not have as much of an impact.

There are lots of societies within JLR and lots of opportunities to get involved and raise awareness. Personally, I am part of the ISOC (Islamic Society) and EC (Early Careers) Network. These provide good opportunities to network with individuals within the business, and get involved with social events like rock climbing. The ISOC provides opportunities to give back to the community and help those who are not as fortunate as we are,

Yes

It is an amazing place to work. It is an excellent opportunity to grow as an individual and build up your profile as a professional. You are exposed to a vast amount of opportunities and the chance to really learn from gifted and talented individuals. You get the opportunity to experiment and try new things with full support, and really grow into an established individual.

Take every opportunity you can get your hands on. If you do not understand anything or if you are struggling just ask. Get involved as much as you can and take risks. Make the most of it. It is difficult to find a work-study-life balance and sometimes it will seem overwhelming, but it will all work out in the end.