Applied Professional Engineering Programme Degree Apprentice Review
at JLR
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Gaydon
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
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
Communicating with Engineers from different functions in the company in order to ensure the designs for the project I'm on fits in with the commodities that share the package space in the car with the parts I am designing, either redesigning or from scratch.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme is great for career progression, as the company are dedicated to ensuring my growth - not only within my role, but also with skills that can be used across the business. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with likeminded people, with lots of support on both the company's side, as well as from the University. Not everything on the programme is always about work, as JLR encourages us, as Early Careers professionals, to grow our own networks through different activities going on in the business.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
As a Design Engineer, my role entails the use of a lot of Computer Aided Design (CAD), which I've had to complete a lot of training towards. Prior to joining JLR, I had only ever heard of CAD, but it was not something I was familiar with working with. The learning curve for working towards a new skill is always tough, but due to the training being self-paced, I was able to gain a greater understanding of the different functions useful to me within the programme. The focus on developing my CAD skills in this field meant that I was quickly able to work alongside established Engineers within the business to aid project delivery.
There are opportunities to develop other technical skills further, along with the continual development of soft skills. JLR's Early Careers network has organised many events in order to develop professional skills such as networking respectfully, as well as the power of self-reflection and evaluation.
There are opportunities to develop other technical skills further, along with the continual development of soft skills. JLR's Early Careers network has organised many events in order to develop professional skills such as networking respectfully, as well as the power of self-reflection and evaluation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The University side of the programme is structured in a formal manner, so that the weeks during which learning is carried out are planned ahead. This allows for lecturers to provide resources prior to lectures, and allows us to use the resources to revise knowledge beforehand and prepare for the lessons. Most managers that are responsible for Apprentices understand how the course works, and what is mandated learning structure for the Apprentices during the weeks and months while in their team.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
We have a dedicated Early Careers cohort lead on JLR's side, with whom we have regular check ins to ensure our skills progression and team integration is being looked after. Within our smaller business functions, we have Early Careers coordinators who look after all the Apprentices within the business function. This means our listening circles for how the function can introduce improvements to better provide support for ourselves is with the same few Apprentices who we can reach out to when making connections for placement opportunities.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Our University tutor is available to reach through Teams, and often provide feedback on our skills progression. There are known resources that are signposted on the University website that we, as Apprentices, are eligible to use, and we are often reminded of these resources during wellbeing support sessions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
There are some modules that have greater relevance towards my role at JLR, but during the first year the modules aim to cover the broad spectrum of Engineering as a whole - with deeper progression into our specific Engineering pathways to be expected in later years. The major module that spans the whole of the first year is most relevant to myself as a Product Design Engineer, but this is not the case with other modules that - although relevant to myself as an Engineer in general - are not very applicable in my current role at JLR.
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 networks within the business that Apprentices have full access to. The sports networks are run local to the business, so are very accessible, with minimal barriers to entry. Many of these networks mix Early Careers individuals with others within the business, but the events are inclusive to all and mean that the introductions are welcoming to all. The specific Early Careers network at JLR is very committed to growth and personal development as a Young Professional within the business, giving many opportunities to meet and network with others in varying areas of the company. One of the offshoots from the Early Careers network is the Early Careers race team, operating in the Formula 24 championship. The race team promotes teamwork while working technically on building a soapbox-style race car from scratch. There are many events that are well organised through the business as well as through networks.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend JLR to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company promotes personal growth to all, especially in the realms of Early Careers. JLR was a massive advocate for the development of the new Engineering Apprenticeship programme, meaning that a lot of the content throughout the years is relevant to the roles present within the company. As an Apprentice, there are many opportunities to get involved in projects with a real impact within the business, and the space within which you're learning how to work as part of a team is tolerant and understanding that you might make mistakes. The training you undertake at all points during your Apprenticeship mean you're always ready for any work that comes your way.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JLR?
Be confident that this role is for you! Find out how the core values that JLR encompasses match up to your personal values, and don't forget to highlight your key strengths with your own examples - showing you are a well-rounded person who is ready to learn beats having the best grades in the country by a mile. Good Luck!
