Design & Model Operations Review

My placement was very enjoyable. During the year, I was able to rotate around a range of department to enhance my design and engineering skills. Towards the end of my placement, I was given the responsibility of managing my own project, which will benefit the department for years to come. I was able to attend the a range of event, such as 'Land Rover Experience' at Eastnor Castle.

I felt like a valued member of the team, and treated as an employee rather than an undergraduate. I often had to work in a team to complete the job at hand, which allowed me to further feel a part of the team.

I was able to attend a variety training courses in order to develop my CAD skills to the required level expected in my department. My supervisor or work colleagues were always at hand to give assistance if I was unable to understand the work at hand.

Upon starting my placement, I had to attend initial CAD training, and work was limited at the time. However, as my CAD skills developed and I was given more responsibilities, I was busy on a daily basis. When work was limited, I was provided with training tutorials to further enhance my CAD technical skills

Initially upon starting my placement, I was given little responsibility as my CAD skills were not up to the required standard. However, as my CAD skills and design understanding improved, I was given are responsibility from designing one off parts to small sub-assemblies. At the end on my placement, I had the sole responsibility of managing a project, and trained other colleagues on how to use the model when I finished my placement.

I received a range of training opportunities, including standard and advanced CAD training, and these fundamentals have significantly helped me in my final year. Both my confidence and soft skills developed whilst on placement, including my presentation skills and communication skills.

The atmosphere was professional, but relaxed. Throughout the year, I was made to feel welcome and part of the team, and was encouraged to ask questions.

I feel that my placement was well organised. As I was the first placement student in my department, they were unsure of certain procedures or potential projects for me to work on. However by the end of my placement, I had a great number of opportunities to develop myself, and my having reviewed my supervisor, but able to create a structure for future and apprentices

My department provided me with righty of training opportunities, both technical and soft skills, such as Advanced Catia Training. Upon joining the company and throughout the year, I had to complete mandatory training required by the company to ensure that I worked on the correct policies and procedures.

I am very keen to return to Jaguar Land Rover on the Graduate Scheme, and have bee positively encouraged to do so.

I was able to join a department on a range of activities, such as visiting Eastnor castle on a Land Rover Experience trip, where I was able to socialise with colleagues within the department. I also live and socialised with fellow undergraduates, and due to the Jaguar Land Rover Employee Learning Scheme, we were able to attend a Rally Driving School in Wales for a day.

Cost of living is cheaper compare to my residence at university, and being based in the Midlands, close to Coventry and Birmingham, all amenities were close by. Leamington Spa is a very pleasant place to live, with Birmingham City Centre just a short train journey away.

There was a range of pubs, restaurants and clubs in Leamington Spa to suit a variety of tastes. There was also a local train station with a direct line to Birmingham

There was a range of activities on offer will be Employee Learning Scheme. I was always invited to leaving drinks with colleagues when one of the team left the department. Also met socially for drinks outside of work occasionally.