Transmission Calibration Engineer Review

I am a higher apprentice in the Product Development sector of Jaguar Land Rover. I am assigned to the Powertrain department, specifically Transmission Calibrations and Controls. On a daily basis I am responsible for investigating issues with vehicle transmissions, collecting fault data from vehicles and updating the transmissions with the latest levels of software and latest calibrations.

Definitely. During the first two years I have completed a Foundation Degree in Engineering which involves completing engineering based subject coursework and assessments. When in plant I have learned about the hardware and software used in the department and how to use it to investigate and resolve current issues. I have also increased my understanding of the companies inner workings and developed my communication skills.

When there is work to be done, I very much enjoy being part of the team and assisting the company in any way I can. The department, and the company as a whole, has an excellent working atmosphere and environment to carry out work, and the colleagues are very friendly and helpful.

Since I have been given training, work and a higher level of responsibility I feel I am a very valuable employee and my contribution to the companies performance does not go unnoticed.

Considering the vast amount of apprentices the company is taking on each year, the course is well organised with improvements and discussions ongoing all the time. Each apprentice is assigned an Industrial Training Manager who we can contact about any issues we have at work or about the course in general. All contacts are easily reachable and issues are resolved in a timely manner.

As much as is necessary. Our regular reviews are adequate for discussing issues and support is always offered when needed. The tutors at college are also available for assistance with coursework and assignments.

Managers are always available to contact about any issues I have at work. Higher level managers are contactable via email and issues are resolved by contacting the correct people involved. I am involved in all discussions of work which I an related to. My co-workers are always willing to offer help and assistance when I need it.

The salary scheme for the apprenticeship is excellent, with payments on time and of adequate size to support my living costs and travel costs. Any travel I do for work can be reimbursed so i am not putting my own money into the company. The location of both sites which I work at is excellent. Payslips are occasionally late.

There is a small variety of opportunities outside of work, which include the fitness and well being centres, and there are a number of societies, including Photographic, Equestrian and Heritage Motor Vehicle Societies. My department are very good at organising team-building 'days out', such as bowling, paint balling and go-karting, all of which were excellent experiences.

Yes

As opposed to going to University, paying extortionate study fees and accommodation and leaving with a large sum of debt and not necessarily with a job, the JLR higher apprenticeship offers a fully sponsored Foundation Degree and Engineering Degree from Warwick University, while being payed a competitive salary, whilst gaining valuable in plant knowledge and experience, and offering a guaranteed job at the end, it is the obvious choice for anyone in my position.

Work hard during GCSE's and A-Levels, do as much work experience as you can, and look for ways to gain engineering experience in your own time, in terms of hobbies and clubs & societies. JLR look for outgoing people in the interview.