Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at JLR
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering, Information Technology
Gaydon
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Software Engineer, I work with different applications such as MATLAB and CarMaker to produce simulations of vehicle test runs to see if they meet a requirement. Programming is conducted through MATLAB to extract important data for later data analysis.
I also work on other side projects to help other colleagues with their projects.
I also work on other side projects to help other colleagues with their projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my degree apprenticeship! You get to meet so many great people - which becomes a normality while working for such a large company.
There is always something new to learn, which are easy to understand with such friendly people to help you out in the workplace.
On the University side of things, at WMG we study the same modules as everyone else on the course (no matter what pathway you're on) for the first 3 years. These modules include: Applied Maths, Information Business Management Operations, Smart Solutions Development(Programming) and Network Protocols and Infrastructure.
There is always something new to learn, which are easy to understand with such friendly people to help you out in the workplace.
On the University side of things, at WMG we study the same modules as everyone else on the course (no matter what pathway you're on) for the first 3 years. These modules include: Applied Maths, Information Business Management Operations, Smart Solutions Development(Programming) and Network Protocols and Infrastructure.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I wasn't very familiar with Software Engineering but it interested me, so when the opportunity came I took it.
Since starting at Jaguar Land Rover, I have made good progress with learning about the applications I use day-to-day. There are many training courses available to help you learn the required skills and to enhance your knowledge on the capabilities of these applications and programs.
As part of the degree apprenticeship, your skills, knowledge and behavior are tracked through scorecards. These are provided by our training provider(WMG) to see our progression made throughout the 4 year course.
Since starting at Jaguar Land Rover, I have made good progress with learning about the applications I use day-to-day. There are many training courses available to help you learn the required skills and to enhance your knowledge on the capabilities of these applications and programs.
As part of the degree apprenticeship, your skills, knowledge and behavior are tracked through scorecards. These are provided by our training provider(WMG) to see our progression made throughout the 4 year course.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I think it is very well organised and Jaguar Land Rover and WMG have really thought about the time and support we will need for both University work and work at JLR.
Modules are nicely spaced out throughout the year, with a generous time to complete assessment and prepare for exams - with extensions available upon reasonable requests.
During my first year on the course, we spent 2 weeks on one module, but 4 weeks for Smart Solutions Development . Modules occur on a rotation - which is normally 4-6 weeks at work and then 1 week of University. After each week there is usually some form of assessment or coursework which needs to be completed for the next week of University (you get about 1 - 2 months to complete this).
Modules are nicely spaced out throughout the year, with a generous time to complete assessment and prepare for exams - with extensions available upon reasonable requests.
During my first year on the course, we spent 2 weeks on one module, but 4 weeks for Smart Solutions Development . Modules occur on a rotation - which is normally 4-6 weeks at work and then 1 week of University. After each week there is usually some form of assessment or coursework which needs to be completed for the next week of University (you get about 1 - 2 months to complete this).
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Everyone has a Line Manager and is available most of the time to talk about any issues.
However, I also have a Supervisor who I am in contact with almost everyday which makes it much easier to raise any concerns about my work.
Within our teams there may be other apprentices or graduates who can also support you.
However, I also have a Supervisor who I am in contact with almost everyday which makes it much easier to raise any concerns about my work.
Within our teams there may be other apprentices or graduates who can also support you.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
As part of the degree apprenticeship we get 20% off the job training - which I make use of by taking Fridays as a study day to prepare for any exams or assignments.
We also get assigned a tutor from WMG to ask any questions or raise any concerns we may have.
In addition to this, support sessions for exams and assignments are provided (normally a week or two before deadlines) so that lecturers can answer any questions you might have. But they are always available to answer any questions before these support sessions occur.
We also get assigned a tutor from WMG to ask any questions or raise any concerns we may have.
In addition to this, support sessions for exams and assignments are provided (normally a week or two before deadlines) so that lecturers can answer any questions you might have. But they are always available to answer any questions before these support sessions occur.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The work we do at WMG is very relevant to our role.
The modules we take have been carefully hand picked by Jaguar Land Rover to ensure the teaching material is aligned and relevant to the work we conduct at work.
This makes it incredibly easy to ask questions from anyone - either at JLR or at WMG.
The modules we take have been carefully hand picked by Jaguar Land Rover to ensure the teaching material is aligned and relevant to the work we conduct at work.
This makes it incredibly easy to ask questions from anyone - either at JLR or at WMG.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
As part of Warwick University, we do get to indulge in societies the University provides.
As part of JLR, we get to explore different areas of the business and have the opportunity to learn skills in a different profession or an activity you would like to experience. For example, you could adventure in private pilot lessons or even bricklaying as part of the ELS course.
As part of JLR, we get to explore different areas of the business and have the opportunity to learn skills in a different profession or an activity you would like to experience. For example, you could adventure in private pilot lessons or even bricklaying as part of the ELS course.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are so many opportunities within JLR. There is so much to see and learn with so many friendly people to help you along the way!
Both WMG and JLR are very supportive and have a great way of dealing with issues you might have. E.g. if you're finding it hard to keep up with the work or if there is any misconduct - these matters are dealt with very seriously.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in the company, the work they do and those who want to create a career for life at JLR.
Both WMG and JLR are very supportive and have a great way of dealing with issues you might have. E.g. if you're finding it hard to keep up with the work or if there is any misconduct - these matters are dealt with very seriously.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in the company, the work they do and those who want to create a career for life at JLR.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
1. Get out there and get some valuable experience in a similar industry or on a technical project if you are applying for the Degree Apprenticeship in Software Engineering. This could be anything like a DIY project, DT coursework or a Nuffield Research Project.
2. Make sure you mention your skills and briefly describe your previous experiences on your CV - interviewers will be very interested about this
3. Be confident and try your best on the enrollment tests - Make sure you attempt the practice assessments before starting the real ones!!
4. Make sure you are prepared for the interview and are ready for the group task
5. Good luck! I hope you apply and get through to the on-boarding process!
2. Make sure you mention your skills and briefly describe your previous experiences on your CV - interviewers will be very interested about this
3. Be confident and try your best on the enrollment tests - Make sure you attempt the practice assessments before starting the real ones!!
4. Make sure you are prepared for the interview and are ready for the group task
5. Good luck! I hope you apply and get through to the on-boarding process!
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