Fitter / Tester Review

My role involves shadowing my colleagues in a variety of jobs and in a variety of departments. I follow a pre-planned rota that takes me through each department for a pre-determined amount of time (usually around a month) where I learn how to use all tools and equipment, fitting and testing skills and understand what is needed from each department in order for the whole company ecosystem to work.

Yes, I have learnt a lot of new skills including hand fitting techniques, how to use the computer software required within each department, how to use overhead cranes and fork lifts, how to diagnose different problems within the prototype vehicles and general vehicle maintenance tasks from changing tyres and break pads to replacing engine parts and testing for performance and quality.

I enjoy the programme a lot, especially now I am on-site full time and have been for the last 2 years. I have a broad understanding of what each department within powertrain test operations does and have learnt a lot of skills that help me to do the job which can also be beneficial if I were to change jobs at any point in the future.

The programme is structured very well. The first year is at college full time. The second year is mostly on site but with a day release once a week where you continue the theory side of the learning at college. Then the next 2 years are at site full time, following the pre-determined rota of departments to experience. With each placement there is always someone to shadow who takes you under their wing and at the end of each placement there is a review form to fill out that details what you did well and what you still need to learn for the next time you are in the department.

There is adequate support from the employer. If I encountered a problem I know I could talk to my apprentice lead, and it is straightforward to book annual leave and any pay issues are dealt with pretty quickly. The only thing is that sometimes there are big gaps where I did not see my apprentice lead and you are left to learn on your own - especially during second and third year - although admittedly that was during Covid.

The learning provider is not the greatest support as they think their focus is just to get you through the qualification as they have a contract with Jaguar Land Rover to teach their apprentices and do not want to rock the boat too much. I found that I had to self teach myself some of the subjects as they would just give an assignment title and want it handed in on a set date in the future. As I did not have a lot of automotive experience when joining the apprenticeship, I struggled initially and I relied on my own learning and my peers to help me. I think they assume that as it is a specialist course - people would have the basic knowledge about chassis and suspension and alternators down but that is not the case for most people in their first year.

I do not feel that the training received was all that relevant to the job role that I will be doing once I have finished the apprenticeship - and I am in Engineering operations where it was probably most relevant. Some of my apprentice colleagues in design or in research would not have found much of the curriculum useful at all.

There are some extra-curricular activities organised by the early careers team but you have to have a desire to want to find them yourself. They organise some sporting events and organise a ball twice a year where you and a partner can attend. Generally you form a bond with the apprentices in your year or department and I have been for drinks and a few meals with them as well as playing some 5 a side once or twice.

Yes

Excellent pay and benefits. A structured programme with qualifications paid for. The chance to experience a lot of different departments to understand how automotive research and development works. You are also encouraged to progress as much as you want to or would feel comfortable doing - there is no glass ceiling within the company and you can go through the ranks as long as you are eager enough to and have the ability to.

They really prioritise attention to detail and getting things right first time so when applying or at the assessment centre this is something they will want to see. They also want correct processes and techniques to be followed accurately to minimise unsafe behaviours and workplace accidents so you must be safety conscious at all times. Apart from that, if you get the job then get stuck in, the colleagues will always help if you ask and do not mind people making mistakes as long as they are trying - if you have a bad attitude or are unwilling to work or be helpful then you will not get much support.