Reflecting back on your first year of your Degree Apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover and WMG – what is the most useful thing you have learnt? 

I have learnt how to apply theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the workplace. Before starting this degree apprenticeship, I did lots of studying but never used that knowledge in a practical sense. However, now, thanks to the apprenticeship, I feel like I am making a real contribution to the company. For example, I have learnt how to completely design and create an application from scratch, this was a unique opportunity. These skills have built the basis for me to become an android app developer.

 

Was the course and Degree Apprenticeship what you expected? If not how/why? 

The Degree Apprenticeship is more University based than I anticipated, I thought that the focus was going to be almost solely on working for the company but there is definitely a balance between working and studying, I’ve also been able to join university societies and clubs which I originally thought I wouldn’t be able to join.

 

Covid-19 meant we had to switch to online learning quickly – how was that experience? What was/is the best thing about online learning (if any)? Any tips? 

At first, I really did not enjoy the online learning because I found it hard to focus on a screen all day long and I missed seeing my friends in university. Now I am finding it a lot better because I have more time, this is because I do not have to commute, and I find it easier to plan my work schedule. My top tips for online learning are make sure you reach out to your friends or lecturers because being remote can be harder to get help when you are stuck.

 

Briefly describe your role and the types of projects/work you have been involved in. 

I am in the mobile application team and I work on the In Control Remote application for Jaguar Land Rover. The first main project I was able to work on this year was working with some graduates to build a feedback application using a backend API. This project was interesting because it allowed me to build all the individual parts that go into making a mobile application. Now I am working in Quality Assurance and I am testing the ICR app to find any possible bugs

 

What have you enjoyed the most about your studies? 

I have enjoyed all of the different modules we get to do. It’s really interesting starting a new module every couple of months, I also like the fact that the modules are quite different; one moth we are learning about management styles and the next month we are learning how to code in python. This variety keeps the degree interesting. 

 

What skills/knowledge from the course are you applying to your role? 

Last year we worked on a work-based project and this allowed me to use the python skills to translate language files for the Jaguar Land Rover app.

 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

In the future I would like to progress into a managerial role within my department, I would really like to oversee the processes within the department.

 

Why did you decide to do a degree apprenticeship? 

I personally decided to do a degree apprenticeship because I know I am a practical learner and I thought that working and learning at the same time would suit my learning style. It also seemed like the best of all worlds since you do not get any university debt, you get paid and you get work experience.

 

What is the best piece of advice you could give someone thinking about doing a degree apprenticeship? 

To anyone thinking of doing a degree apprenticeship – do it! A big worry of mine was missing out on the “University experience” but you can definitely still get the same experience though joining clubs and meeting people through that. I’ve even bought a house that I share with my friends.

Find out more about our Digital Technology Solutions Programme or Degree Apprenticeships we offer.