DTS Degree Apprenticeship: Software Review
at JLR
Degree Apprenticeship
Automotive Engineering, Data Analysis, Front-end Development, Software Engineering
Gaydon
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
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:
4/5
As a software engineering apprentice, I have the opportunity to work in many different teams across the business by going on placement. Therefore, I have worked across a wide variety of projects including automation, hardware and software integration, web development and console app development. On a day-to-day basis, this typically looks like joining a daily stand-up in the morning to chat with the team about what we're working on and any blockers we have. Then, I get on with some programming and submit my work for and respond to any feedback. When I finish a task, I pick up something new from the sprint or the backlog.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme because I think I've had the opportunity to learn a lot more than I would if I had done university full-time. It's been really interesting working in different teams and it's helped me better understand the variety of projects you can work on as a software engineer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes. When I first started my apprenticeship, I only knew how to program using Python but through university and work projects, I've refined my Python skills and learned how to implement proper programming practices and version control management. I've also learned many new languages and frameworks such as JavaScript (Vue.js), C# (.NET) and C++.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Currently, the programme is structured so that for every 2 weeks we spend at work we spent 2.5 days at university (on campus or online) in lectures. We have study days every Friday where we work on our assignments that are due every 6 weeks. Personally, I find this structure can be difficult to manage especially when deadlines are close and it takes us away from work a lot so it can be sometimes difficult to make useful contributions to your team. This is more a fault of the training provider but I believe they are making changes based on our feedback.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The employer is supportive and there are many people within early careers who check in with us regularly. We usually have a catch-up with our early careers lead every 3 months and I catch-up with my manager every 6 weeks and fortnightly with my mentor. Recently, there has also been more support in finding and organising placements to hit the KSBs within my function too.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We are supported when assignments are upcoming as we will usually have a support session with the lecturer to go through any questions we might have. Lecturers also do respond to questions via email, Moodle or Teams. The university also provides a Degree Apprentice (DA) Tutor who checks in with us every 3 months to check our progress in the workplace and at university and ensure we are hitting our KSBs.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
While not everything we learn at university is directly relevant to our role (as this is highly dependent on the team we're in), I have been able to apply many things I've learned through my qualification within the different projects I've worked on.
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
Yes. At JLR, there are a variety of networks (like clubs and societies) to get involved with. The Early Careers network in particular frequently organise socials and events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend JLR to a friend because as someone early in their career, it's the best place to be. JLR has a large early careers community so you're well supported and it's the perfect place to grow and develop your skills as a young professional.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
When applying to JLR, it is really important to ensure you align with the company's values, the Creator's Code, so do your research and prepare well.
