APEP Degree Apprenticeship: Electrical Review

I work in the electrical test laboratories, where we support the development of the JLR electrical architecture of our new vehicles within our House of Brands. Day to day, we work on building, maintaining and adapting test assets (rigs). The technicians do most of this, with the lead engineers supporting and assisting where needed. I fall somewhere in between - I have done the work that technicians do (lots of hands on activities), whilst also leasing with test engineers to gather information. I always have something to do, which is nice.

From JLR's side, everything has been really well run. The induction at Silverstone was seamless, and everything since has been smooth sailing. Anything that I've needed (safety shoes, work wear) hasn't been a problem to get either. I have regular 1:1 meeting with my mentor and manager, which helps for any support I need. However, the University hasn't been as organised. Getting enrolled onto the course was very delayed, and lots of assignments haven't been returned on time, even after having a month to mark them. Bearing in mind we get -5% for every day we are late... Apart from that, lectures have been organised well and efficiently, with content conveyed effectively. Access to teaching materiel is also very good

I receive as much support as I need, and if I asked for more, I would get more. For example, my manager has said that if I need an extra day to study for University, he's happy to give it to me. In day to day work, if I have any problems, get stuck or need help in any way, my mentor(s) are very good at giving helpful advice that allow me to complete the task whilst allowing me to remain as independent as possible. I also have a monthly 1:1 with someone from the JLR early careers team to check in on how I'm doing both personally and professionally.

The content (powerpoints, example questions, mocks) are very easy to access, and somewhat plentiful. I have a Degree Apprenticeship tutor (DA tutor), who I have a quarterly meeting with to discuss my progress with Warwick University. She is also available to help if I have any problems, and frequently checks in before and after an exam. Most of the lecturers have been very informative, and happy to give individual support during and outside of lectures (all apart from one - everyone else is great).

At this point in my DA (6 months in) I rarely, if at all, use what I learned at University at work. I don't think it's fair to expect to use the engineering maths in the workplace, but most of the management and quality material hasn't been applicable either. A lot of it is common sense, which does make it useful when doing a project but the more advanced stuff is never used

Yes

The pay is incredible for our age and experience - for DAs, the starting salary is nearly £26,000, with the option of an increased working week at just over £28,000. This only gets higher, and coupled with no university debt, means it's a huge financial gain. Employees at JLR are very well looked after as well - lots of support in place, with really good and empathetic management. They even partnered with two student accommodations to make moving to the midlands easier.