Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship: APEP- Design and Development Review
at JLR
Degree Apprenticeship
Automotive Engineering, Engineering
Fen End, West Midlands
Review Submitted: April 2026
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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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 am a Degree Apprentice within the Product Delivery / Vehicle Programmes function. My role focuses on supporting programme and gateway management, ensuring that key deliverables are tracked, risks are understood, and cross‑functional activities remain aligned to programme milestones.
On a day-to-day basis, I support:
Gateway preparation and reviews, including data collation, status tracking, and action management
Programme planning and reporting, supporting senior engineers and programme leads
Stakeholder coordination across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams
Document control and governance, ensuring processes are followed and information is accurate and up to date
Continuous improvement activities, gaining exposure to end‑to‑end vehicle lifecycle delivery
The role provides a strong balance between technical understanding, project coordination, and professional development.
On a day-to-day basis, I support:
Gateway preparation and reviews, including data collation, status tracking, and action management
Programme planning and reporting, supporting senior engineers and programme leads
Stakeholder coordination across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams
Document control and governance, ensuring processes are followed and information is accurate and up to date
Continuous improvement activities, gaining exposure to end‑to‑end vehicle lifecycle delivery
The role provides a strong balance between technical understanding, project coordination, and professional development.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy the apprenticeship programme. It provides an excellent balance between academic learning and practical workplace experience, allowing me to apply theory directly to real vehicle programmes.
The structured support from my manager, team, and the wider apprenticeship network has helped me build confidence, technical knowledge, and professional skills. The exposure to complex programmes and real business challenges has been particularly motivating, and I feel the programme is preparing me well for a long-term career in product and programme delivery.
The structured support from my manager, team, and the wider apprenticeship network has helped me build confidence, technical knowledge, and professional skills. The exposure to complex programmes and real business challenges has been particularly motivating, and I feel the programme is preparing me well for a long-term career in product and programme delivery.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
New skills developed include:
Programme and gateway management, including understanding governance processes and milestone requirements
Data analysis and reporting, using structured methods to track progress, risks, and actions
Stakeholder engagement, learning how to communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams
Business and commercial awareness, gaining insight into how engineering decisions impact cost, timing, and delivery
Existing skills strengthened:
Organisation and time management, balancing academic commitments with workplace responsibilities
Communication skills, particularly in a professional and technical environment
Problem-solving, contributing to issue identification and supporting resolution activities
Attention to detail, especially when working with programme documentation and reporting data
Overall, the programme has significantly improved my technical, professional, and interpersonal capabilities and has increased my confidence working within a complex engineering organisation.
Programme and gateway management, including understanding governance processes and milestone requirements
Data analysis and reporting, using structured methods to track progress, risks, and actions
Stakeholder engagement, learning how to communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams
Business and commercial awareness, gaining insight into how engineering decisions impact cost, timing, and delivery
Existing skills strengthened:
Organisation and time management, balancing academic commitments with workplace responsibilities
Communication skills, particularly in a professional and technical environment
Problem-solving, contributing to issue identification and supporting resolution activities
Attention to detail, especially when working with programme documentation and reporting data
Overall, the programme has significantly improved my technical, professional, and interpersonal capabilities and has increased my confidence working within a complex engineering organisation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well organised and clearly structured, with defined learning outcomes and expectations throughout each stage. The balance between academic study and workplace learning is managed effectively, with good alignment between university modules and practical work activities.
There is clear guidance on key milestones, reviews, and assessments, and regular support from my manager and apprenticeship tutors helps ensure progress is tracked appropriately. Any changes or requirements are communicated in a timely manner.
While workload can occasionally be demanding due to overlaps between academic deadlines and work commitments, this has helped develop strong planning and time‑management skills. Overall, the programme provides a supportive and structured environment that enables continuous development.
There is clear guidance on key milestones, reviews, and assessments, and regular support from my manager and apprenticeship tutors helps ensure progress is tracked appropriately. Any changes or requirements are communicated in a timely manner.
While workload can occasionally be demanding due to overlaps between academic deadlines and work commitments, this has helped develop strong planning and time‑management skills. Overall, the programme provides a supportive and structured environment that enables continuous development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a high level of support from my employer throughout the programme. My line manager provides regular guidance, feedback, and encouragement, ensuring that I am progressing effectively both in my role and academically. Time is allocated to support my university studies, coursework, and review preparation, which helps maintain a healthy balance between work and learning.
The wider team is also supportive, taking time to explain processes, involve me in relevant activities, and provide opportunities to develop practical skills and business understanding. Additional support is available through formal reviews, mentoring, and the apprenticeship network, which creates a strong and supportive learning environment.
Overall, the employer support has been excellent and has played a key role in my development, motivation, and confidence within the role.
The wider team is also supportive, taking time to explain processes, involve me in relevant activities, and provide opportunities to develop practical skills and business understanding. Additional support is available through formal reviews, mentoring, and the apprenticeship network, which creates a strong and supportive learning environment.
Overall, the employer support has been excellent and has played a key role in my development, motivation, and confidence within the role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications. There is clear guidance around academic requirements, assessment deadlines, and portfolio evidence, which helps me understand what is expected at each stage of the programme.
Tutors are accessible and provide timely feedback on coursework and progress reviews, and regular check‑ins help ensure I am on track with both learning outcomes and EPA requirements. Support sessions and resources are available when needed, particularly around assessments and reflective work.
At times, balancing academic deadlines alongside work responsibilities can be challenging, but the training provider is understanding and supportive when this is raised. Overall, the support provided is effective and contributes positively to my academic and professional development.
Tutors are accessible and provide timely feedback on coursework and progress reviews, and regular check‑ins help ensure I am on track with both learning outcomes and EPA requirements. Support sessions and resources are available when needed, particularly around assessments and reflective work.
At times, balancing academic deadlines alongside work responsibilities can be challenging, but the training provider is understanding and supportive when this is raised. Overall, the support provided is effective and contributes positively to my academic and professional development.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification supports my performance in my role well, as it provides a strong theoretical foundation that complements my day‑to‑day work. The learning gained through the training provider has helped me better understand programme management principles, structured problem‑solving, project planning, and professional engineering practices, which I am able to apply directly within my role.
The qualification has improved my confidence, analytical thinking, and understanding of governance and decision‑making, allowing me to contribute more effectively to programme activities and discussions. It also encourages reflective practice, helping me consider how academic learning aligns with real business challenges.
While some academic content is broader than my specific role, it remains valuable in developing transferable skills and long‑term career capability. Overall, the qualification has a positive impact on my effectiveness and progression within the organisation.
The qualification has improved my confidence, analytical thinking, and understanding of governance and decision‑making, allowing me to contribute more effectively to programme activities and discussions. It also encourages reflective practice, helping me consider how academic learning aligns with real business challenges.
While some academic content is broader than my specific role, it remains valuable in developing transferable skills and long‑term career capability. Overall, the qualification has a positive impact on my effectiveness and progression within the organisation.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, there are a range of extra‑curricular activities available to get involved in at work. These include social activities, sports and wellbeing initiatives, and professional networking events, which help create a positive and inclusive working environment.
There are opportunities to take part in team social events, company‑wide activities, and apprentice or early‑careers networks, which are useful for building relationships across different areas of the business. Professional development events such as networking sessions, presentations, and knowledge‑sharing forums also provide valuable exposure beyond day‑to‑day role responsibilities.
There are opportunities to take part in team social events, company‑wide activities, and apprentice or early‑careers networks, which are useful for building relationships across different areas of the business. Professional development events such as networking sessions, presentations, and knowledge‑sharing forums also provide valuable exposure beyond day‑to‑day role responsibilities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend JLR to a friend because it has given me the opportunity to learn and grow while working on real, meaningful projects from early on in my career. As an apprentice, I’ve been trusted with real responsibility and encouraged to get involved, ask questions, and develop both professionally and personally.
The support from my manager and team has been a big positive for me. People are approachable and genuinely willing to help, which has made it easier to build confidence and learn new skills. The balance between work and studying is well supported, and I’ve been able to apply what I learn through my qualification directly to my role.
I’ve also really valued the culture at JLR — it’s inclusive, collaborative, and focused on continuous improvement. There are good opportunities to network, get involved in wider activities, and gain exposure to different parts of the business. Overall, JLR feels like a place where you’re supported, challenged, and given a strong foundation for a long‑term career.
The support from my manager and team has been a big positive for me. People are approachable and genuinely willing to help, which has made it easier to build confidence and learn new skills. The balance between work and studying is well supported, and I’ve been able to apply what I learn through my qualification directly to my role.
I’ve also really valued the culture at JLR — it’s inclusive, collaborative, and focused on continuous improvement. There are good opportunities to network, get involved in wider activities, and gain exposure to different parts of the business. Overall, JLR feels like a place where you’re supported, challenged, and given a strong foundation for a long‑term career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
My main advice would be to be yourself and show genuine enthusiasm for both the company and the role you’re applying for. JLR looks for people who are keen to learn, open to challenges, and motivated to develop, so it’s important to clearly communicate your interest and willingness to grow rather than trying to appear like you already know everything.
I’d also recommend researching JLR thoroughly before applying — understand the company’s values, products, and future direction, and be prepared to explain why these interest you. Linking your skills, experiences, or studies to what JLR does really helps demonstrate commitment.
For apprentices and early‑career roles, it’s important to show good time‑management and adaptability, as balancing work with learning can be demanding. Highlight examples where you’ve managed responsibilities or learned new skills quickly.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions during the process. JLR has a supportive culture, and showing curiosity and a positive attitude goes a long way. If you’re willing to put the effort in, it’s a great environment to learn and build a strong foundation for your career.
I’d also recommend researching JLR thoroughly before applying — understand the company’s values, products, and future direction, and be prepared to explain why these interest you. Linking your skills, experiences, or studies to what JLR does really helps demonstrate commitment.
For apprentices and early‑career roles, it’s important to show good time‑management and adaptability, as balancing work with learning can be demanding. Highlight examples where you’ve managed responsibilities or learned new skills quickly.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions during the process. JLR has a supportive culture, and showing curiosity and a positive attitude goes a long way. If you’re willing to put the effort in, it’s a great environment to learn and build a strong foundation for your career.
