APEP Degree Apprenticeship: PDD VP Bespoke and Armour Engineering Review
at JLR
Degree Apprenticeship
Automotive Engineering
Kenilworth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
I work in vehicle programmes within bespoke operations. This means that I oversee the whole process from start to finish of a vehicle. My daily tasks consist of meetings, working with suppliers and creating a streamlined process for vehicles to undertake. I am currently working on the Defender brand which means I have the opportunity to oversee the new addition of OCTA and other special variants of Defender.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme. Having left sixth form, it was the obvious option for me. It can sometimes be frustrating when things don't go your way, but if you stay persistent with what you need to then it works out well. Everyone in my department was very welcoming and I know I have a good group of colleagues willing to help whenever I need.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Within Vehicle Programmes, mainly communication skills have had the greatest improvement, this will most likely happen no matter where you are in the business as communication is key. Microsoft Excel skills have also increased, as well as CAD skills, as this is taught in University. I was also fortunate enough to undertake a short placement working on different cars, removing the engine from a car, removing subframes (pretty much just taking apart the entire car).
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My Programme is very well organised as within the first week of beginning, apprentices are given their University timetables for the next year, which is important to note as well as exam dates which you will have to work around. There are weekly meetings with your line manager, 2 monthly meetings with your Cohort lead (for your course) and meetings with your line manager and Degree Apprenticeship Tutor every 13 weeks to check up on how you are doing and how well you are progressing.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
JLR have been very helpful as they have given me the opportunity to work from home 3 days per week, which cuts out an hour commute. JLR also offers 1 day per week for studying which can be utilised to stay on top of your working and allows you to keep a bit more of free time for yourself.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
University of Warwick offers a really good course for the "Applied Professional Degree Apprenticeship: Product Design and Development". Degree Apprentices have their own building (Degree Apprenticeship Centre), which have their own labs as well as computer labs. Lecturers are very helpful and will offer support where they can (apart from one or two).
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
As I am in Vehicle Programmes, a large part of the maths side of the qualification is not directly related to my role. However, the management side of the qualification is really useful in my role and I find myself using some of the things I learnt 7 months in my role. However as an apprentice, all parts of the qualification will be used while undertaking any kind of placement in other departments.
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
There are many Extra- Curricular activities at work. I myself am not involved in any. However, there is a very large group JUST for early careers which organise lots of events. There are ski trips, hiking weekends, winter balls and parties. I was fortunate enough to go to the F1 Arcade with my team for a fun chaotic racing session. There are sports teams which are available for anyone to join, and if there is no network, then you will be encouraged to start one (which I would 100% recommend to put yourself out there within the business).
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
Yes
Why?
An apprentice gets paid to work, and learn at the same time. Working on a project so large or niche makes you feel your work is still very important and you will feel valued by the business.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
THIS APPLIES TO ALL COMPANIES!!! Don't stress when it comes to interviews, it's just a conversation that's about you. You're not bragging, if you've got achievements that you're proud of, don't be afraid to say it. It's okay to stop talking and take a moment to gather your thoughts, your interviewer is going to understand that you need to think about what you're going to say. I applied for JLR because I love cars and I want to spend my time around them, follow your passion.
Industrial Operations: Manufacturing Undergraduate
at JLR
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Liverpool, Halewood.
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