Undergraduate Engineer in Electrical Programmes - Range Rover Platform Review

Overall I did enjoy my placement. The work was somewhat varied and that kept me on my toes. At times, however, the work was quiet. Some tasks given were also monotonous and these lasted for over two weeks. At other times though the work was a lot more fast paced which was far more enjoyable.

I was treated as if I was a permanent employee and I definitely felt part of the team. I was welcomed in and settled immediately. I was sometimes the 'go to' person for current employees due to my past experience with the company and knowledge of the products and other people in the business.

My manager was very helpful and was encouraging the movement through the different areas in his team when I raised the idea of moving around due to being slightly bored at the start. He was in full support and guided me to the relevant people to talk to as well as always being there for assistance in all aspects of the job.

During the phase of the programme I was working on, there were quiet and busy stages. This is the nature of the work in the Electrical Programmes team. Some times I found myself just reading through documents and sitting in meetings to keep myself occupied; other times I was around the vehicles in the prototype workshop and fire-fighting issues through the build alongside the relevant component engineers.

At the start, I was given more supportive tasks for other members of the team. Some of this was important work to do however. A dip in responsibility occurred when I was doing purely supportive work to quite minimal tasks that only made the life of a current employee easier rather than making an important contribution if that is understandable. As I took the initiative to raise that I would like to do more proactive work, I was allocated to support the prototype builds for Electrical, as they were short of a representative at the two sites. For an undergraduate, this was a big responsibility. I floated between two different model year prototype builds between two sites, taking issues and either advised on fixes that I knew about already, or contacted the relevant component engineers to advise and work on the issue together.

I would say that mainly my project management, man management and communication skills were improved. In addition, general knowledge of the automotive industry and JLR's products was also enhanced. The work in Electrical Programmes gave me a fast overview of all aspects of Electrical as it must deal with all parts of it. Further, the work on the builds gave me an appreciation of the manufacture of vehicles and how various design decisions can affect a build - an important thing to learn about when working in product development in the future: "how does this design choice impact all of the different aspects of the system?"

Serious and hard-working when it needs to be and then quite relaxed in general.

Organised well overall. Company IT systems are woeful: 4 weeks to gain access to the building I was working in.

Was given time out of the office to observe early vehicle builds and also to visit the manufacturing site at Solihull for an appreciation of that aspect of the business.

I am on the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Sponsored Scheme. A small interview and presentation at the end of this placement will most likely lead toward a Graduate role next September. I have previously completed another placement with this company to fulfil this scheme.

Yes, some events were organised through the Facebook page set up by JLR. I mainly went out with colleagues on team meals and team building events.

Coventry is pretty sociable and not that expensive. In areas outside Coventry City Centre, such as Finham, Canley, Coundon, Holbrooks and Radford it is a bit cheaper. Nearby towns such as Bedworth and Nuneaton (only really options to live if you work at the Whitley or Browns Lane site) are much cheaper than Coventry. Leamington is more expensive, as is Warwick as they are both quite upmarket towns.

Coventry is pretty sociable and not that expensive for a night out. There are are loads of restaurants in the centre and surrounding areas but clubs and bars are quite spread out through the city. There are clusters towards the old town near Spon Street and the Skydome complex, then down on Far Gosford Street and the biggest club called the Kasbah (locally still called the Colly) is located near Hillfields on the other side of town. Leamington is slightly more expensive but probably better for a night out as the clubs and bars are quite close together near the top of the parade with a couple more places at the bottom of the parade also. There is more of a younger scene here also as it tends to be the go to place for many young professionals, college goers, and some University Students from nearby Warwick and Coventry University. There are no nightclubs in Warwick, just upmarket pubs and the occasional bar.

Yes, many. JLR has a great scheme that encourages employee growth, learning and also the chance to do out of ordinary activities such as skydiving etc. on the Employee Learning Scheme. On this three month placement however, I am not entitled to the Employee Learning Scheme benefits. During my time on placement, I again was involved with 6-a-side football with JLR colleagues in various departments that took place at North Leamington School and the Xcel Leisure Centre in Coventry.