APEP Degree Apprentice - Electrical - Test Engineer Review

My day to day role involves both project work and regular activities as a test engineer. Regular activities include monitoring, planning, scripting, and reporting on various tests being carried out by the department (battery cells in this case). Projects were also completed alongside this work, such as programming and introducing new automation systems and tools. The only reason this area falls down slightly is the miscommunication between managers and the team responsible for managing the apprenticeship - as managers are expected to have all the answers, but are not given them before the apprentices start.

In my experience, various opportunities for training have been given by both the company and the university. On top of all the new skills from university, I have had the opportunity to develop these skills in my role, and have also been able to focus on the parts I found more interesting, such as working more on the programming side of the work than other parts due to enjoying it more.

Overall, the programme is very enjoyable provided you have an interest in all parts of engineering. It takes a lot of work and commitment, but that just makes it very rewarding when you do put the work in. The balance between studying and work is perfect, and allows for success both in the workplace, and academically. There is also a strong sense of community and unity on the programme, which helps during the more difficult parts.

The balance of the university week to the few weeks in work works out very well, giving enough time to consolidate understanding of the university material and work on coursework etc., but there are often changes to schedules, such as exams being moved around and feedback not being given on time. There is also room for improvement when it comes to evenly spreading out deadlines throughout the year, but the nature of the blocking schedule makes this difficult.

There is always a point of contact at the company to go to first with any issues that come up, and they tend to do a good job at finding a solution. They keep in regular contact with the university, so issues are quickly known about and resolved without much difficulty.

Most of the tutors offer additional help outside of the regular timetabled sessions, particularly in the lead up to exams or if there is a general sense of difficulty with a particular module or subject. However, some tutors also take a few weeks of annual leave in the leadup to challenging coursework deadlines, so it depends on the particular tutor.

The qualification itself seems very applicable to a real life work situation, and when it becomes relevant at work, it is very useful. However, in my case, the role does not require nearly as much of the content from university, which is understandable, as the degree is for more than just a single job role, but I think my job role could be closer to electrical engineering to get the full benefit of the course.

As part of the early careers network at work, there are always events on. There are regular events, like sports (badminton, tennis, running, etc) as well as less regular and one off events like balls and ski trips. There is also full access to the societies at university as a student, allowing for the same opportunities as full time students, but sometimes working 37-40 hours a week can get in the way of being able to attend everything.

Yes

No apprenticeship, or other course, is free from issues, but the degree apprenticeships at Jaguar Land Rover are worth the hard work. Compared to full time university courses, it is a no-brainer, and gives so much more real world experience than can be acquired in a classroom. Although it is all people seem to talk about, being paid to get a degree as opposed to paying for one is a significant benefit, and the course would be worth it because of that alone, but the experience and opportunities make it the obvious choice.

A degree apprenticeship is a combination of a university course and a job, so keep this in mind throughout the application process, being the best in the world at Maths is not going to guarantee you a place, you have got to show the other qualities that companies look for in job applications as well. It is also important that you have a genuine interest in the subject content. Working for JLR and getting paid to get a degree is a wonderful opportunity, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, so you cannot just be doing it because it sounds good.