How an Apprenticeship can shape your confidence, not just your career.

What apprenticeship are you on and can you tell us a bit about your day to day?

I’m a Degree Apprentice studying Digital Technology Solutions on the Software with Data pathway. At JLR, this means my work spans both software development and data‑driven systems, giving me hands‑on experience with a wide range of software and data platforms. My home team is VCATS (Vehicle Configuration and Testing Systems) within Global Manufacturing Engineering, based in Solihull, where I focus on transforming data practices in manufacturing and developing in‑house software solutions that automate and improve key systems.

Alongside this, I’m currently completing a placement with the Digital and AI Innovation team in Manufacturing at NAIC, where I develop proof‑of‑concept solutions for manufacturing change requests and explore how AI‑driven tools can support future manufacturing processes. Day to day, I work on creating technical documentation and diagrams, developing and debugging features, and reviewing merge requests to maintain code quality. I collaborate closely with the team through regular project updates and agile methodologies, while also researching new tools and approaches that can enhance current or future manufacturing systems.

What have you enjoyed most during your time at JLR?

So far, I’ve had three standout experiences through the Early Careers community at JLR: the Summer Ball, Winter Ball, and the annual ski trip. Every year they organise a ski trip, and before heading out they run ski and snowboard meetups to refresh skills and offer lessons for beginners. I love snowboarding, so getting the chance to practise jumps and tricks in the park setup was incredibly fun, and it was a great way to meet other early careers people in a really relaxed environment.

Both the Winter Ball and Summer Ball were equally charming in their own ways, with fine dining, canapés, and black‑tie attire. Each event feels like a moment to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come throughout the year. The Summer Ball had a live band and perfect weather, creating such a warm, celebratory atmosphere. The Winter Ball, held at the Motor Museum, had a magical twilight feel with a DJ, stunning views of the cars, and endless belly laughs. The memories I made at all three events - with both old friends and new - were unforgettable, and definitely moments I know I’ll cherish for years to come.

How have colleagues supported you?

My colleagues have supported me massively during my time at JLR - I don’t think there’s anything they haven’t helped me with. Whether it’s explaining how specific university modules and theories apply in real project work or giving me tasks that let me practise those concepts through self‑learning and decision‑making, they’ve always encouraged my growth.

They also make sure every success is celebrated, from completing extra Yellow Belt training to taking on additional learning through the JLR learning app, as well as recognising any achievements outside my core apprenticeship. They remind me to pause, acknowledge how far I’ve come, and celebrate wins in what can be a very fast‑paced environment. Just as importantly, they’ve been there when I’ve felt stuck or defeated during a project. They help me break problems down, visualise solutions differently, and they never make me feel afraid to ask a question or ask for clarification. The culture at JLR is incredibly receptive and supportive - people genuinely want to help, collaborate, and find solutions rather than put up barriers. It’s one of the things that makes working here so motivating and reassuring.

What is your top tip for applying to an apprenticeship at JLR?

My biggest tip is to be authentic. Don’t feel like you need to fit a specific mould or act a certain way in the interview. It’s so much easier to relax and make a genuine impression when you’re just being yourself. Interviewers remember people who make a real, personable connection - even simple things like showing interest in them or treating it like meeting someone new for the first time can leave a strong, positive impression.

It’s also completely fine to stumble over your words or go slightly off‑script. In my experience, the interviewers at JLR are genuinely lovely, supportive, and want you to succeed. They’ll often prompt you if you get stuck or if they feel you haven’t fully covered a point. So don’t stress about being perfect - focus on being honest, engaged, and authentically you.