CASE STUDIES
Joining an apprenticeship programme can be a big decision. It’s important that you consider what the programme will be like and assess whether or not it will be right for you. Take a look at some of our apprentice and ex apprentice case studies to see what it’s really like being part of the Jaguar Land Rover Apprentice Programme. Whether or not you have applied or are thinking about your application, please take some time out to read what our people have to say.
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KATIE NEEDHAM
Sales Executive Apprentice
Inchcape Land Rover, Preston
Graduated 2019
Katie started her apprenticeship at the end of 2016. Starting out in recruitment, she realised that this career wasn’t for her and started doing temporary work at her local Jaguar Land Rover Retailer. Here, Katie witnessed first-hand how the retail side of the automotive industry worked, and started to fall in love with the brand. Realising her potential, Katie’s manager encouraged her to move into sales and enrol on the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Apprenticeship Programme as a Sales Advisor Apprentice – and so she did.
It’s fair to say that Katie hasn’t looked back on this decision with any regret.
Not only does she believe she made the right choice moving into sales, but Katie thinks she made the right choice by starting out as an apprentice.
This is because the training for the programme offers the most up to date techniques and best practises, and learning insight from other apprentices and their approach to sales has proved vital.
One simple, but quite unique, sales technique Katie uses is to allow potential customers to play their own music in the car whilst on a test drive. Katie learned this from another apprentice while together on training, and says it has significantly improved her own personal sales technique.
The appeal of the Jaguar Land Rover brand, and the massive support that sits behind it, helped Katie push forward in the programme, even when times got quite tough. She admits that at times her confidence was low and some days were hard. However, with the support of her amazing Vocational Learning Advisor, she was able to push through these barriers by discussing and working through her issues. Katie highlights that just being around the brand gives her a boost every day. “During my bad days, I’d just think ‘I still work for Jaguar Land Rover’ and then everything would be ok”.
The Jaguar Land Rover Apprentice Programme has been a great container to help Katie improve and hone what she both enjoys and is good at, interacting with people.
Katie states that she’s a “big people person” and loves “meeting new people every day” who are “full of knowledge”. Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘Customers First’ principles have allowed her to do this.
It’s quite clear to see that the apprenticeship programme set the foundation of Katie’s career aspirations. She says that within two years of completing her programme that she’d like to be “top of the shop” and be the best performing salesperson at the retailer, and then eventually become the Head of Business at the retailer.
Katie has a very clear message for those thinking about the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Apprenticeship Programme:
“100% do it. Even if you’re a little bit older, you can bring more to the role. The programme will put everything in place to make sure you succeed. I’ve come so far from when I started, you’ll gain confidence. I’m happier in myself and know I have a proper career ahead of me. There are always people there to support you”.
JOSH BREWER
Service Technician | Light Vehicle Maintenance Level 2
Stratstone Jaguar, Newcastle
Graduated 2019
I have always been passionate about cars and love working on them. I’m also motivated by new challenges. A technical apprenticeship with my local retailer was the ideal thing to pursue.
I applied online and filled in the application form which took some time to get exactly right. An interview with the retailer followed where we discussed the role further and I was able to find out more about the opportunity.
The retailer then gave me the chance to do some work experience with them so that we could get to know one another a little more and for me to see the working environment.
The Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Apprentice Programme recruitment team were very supportive and were there to answer my questions right the way through the process.
I love being surrounded by great cars each day, they’re epic!
The work is challenging but the academy environment is brilliant.
In the medium to long term I’d love to become a master technician and then beyond that set up as a specialist Jaguar repairer.
Do it! You meet great people, you get paid to learn and its far better than being in school!
HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP YOUR APPRENTICESHIP WITH JAGUAR LAND ROVER?
It’s great to work on such lovely cars, the academy is so supportive and I’m doing something that I love. Win, win!
DIONNE FLEMING
Customer Service Advisor Apprentice
Rybrook Copley Land Rover, Halifax
Graduated 2019
Believe it or not, I never originally applied, I was approached! After doing my AS levels at sixth form I thought I had failed miserably and that I would not be able to continue and finish my last year.
What I was doing at sixth form was not what I wanted to do. I simply felt that it was expected of me – to go to sixth form and then onto University. I knew I would like to work in the motor trade, so applied for a few apprenticeships and uploaded my CV online. Time passed and I actually did well with my AS level exams so I stayed to do my last year. Before I got my results for my last year (after all the stress of applying for universities that deep down I didn’t actually want to go to) I got a call from a Land Rover recruitment advisor. He asked me if I was interested in applying for a role as a Customer Service Advisor for Jaguar Land Rover and of course I said yes. He put me forward and after some time I got a call for an interview. It felt like the perfect alternative to going to University, and all the costs that involves.
The process was very easy. After completing the online application form and had a pre-chat on the phone with a recruiter to find out about myself and my GCSE / A Level qualifications, I got a call for an interview and was invited in within a few days later. I was interviewed on the Tuesday and was told I would get a call that Friday. As it happens the call came in on the Thursday and I was offered the job. I cried, started the following Tuesday and have never looked back!
Being an apprentice gives you a doorway to being a qualified Service Advisor in the Retailer. Without being an apprentice, it is hard to get into that job as many employees ask for experience. The programme provides you with a perfect start to gaining that experience.
Jaguar Land Rover is a prestigious, well-known brand which means the experience you gain is really recognised.
Definitely, if they are looking for a job that means you are able to progress and not be in a “dead-end” job then I would definitely recommend it. The career opportunities for me now in Jaguar Land Rover are really exciting.
I have several achievements and things that I have surprised myself by doing.
I have run a service department on my own. I have tackled some of the hardest days in my Retailer and not once allowed it to beat me. This has made me a lot more confident and stronger in myself, which is great for life as well as work. However, the best achievement is definitely winning “Jaguar Land Rover UK Customer Service Advisor Apprentice of the Year” (see photo above, me with Simon Nolan, Jaguar Land Rover Apprentice Programme Manager!). It feels great to be recognised for all the hard work I have put into this job over the past few years.
It has opened a path for me to progress further in the motor trade and has also set me up with the right skills needed to be where I want to be in the future with Jaguar Land Rover.
I hope to do management courses and one day run my own service department in a Jaguar Land Rover Retailer.
I would advise someone to apply, but only if you’re willing to stick at something that can some days be a challenge, but at the same time can also be very rewarding. It’s the best decision I have made so far in my career.
ROB EDDEN
Apprentice Programme Trainer & Former Apprentice
The Jaguar Land Rover Academy
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Rob told us:
“The Jaguar Land Rover Technical Apprenticeship Programme was first brought to my attention by a Schools careers advisor who had assessed my strengths and interests. I was technically minded and had a passion for cars so the opportunity to fix and maintain vehicles as a job instantly interested me. I was progressed through the application process and after attending an interview, I was offered the position as a Service Technician Apprentice.
During my Apprenticeship I attended the Jaguar Land Rover Academy on Block Release for eight weeks of the year. Whilst I was not at the Academy, I was developing my knowledge within the work place, utilising the help provided by a mentor who directed and guided me.
After I completed the Apprenticeship I took part in “Challenge Africa” Zambia on behalf of Land Rover. This involved aiding the local community by painting orphanage classrooms and the servicing of local Land Rover Defenders to name a few tasks.
To celebrate successfully finishing the Apprenticeship Programme, I then attended the Jaguar Land Rover Awards ceremony with family and friends. It was an opportunity to have my achievements recognised and celebrate my hard work over the past three years.
After finishing the Apprenticeship Programme I stayed with my employer for a further 2 years. Due to the company relocating, I pursued new employment and was able to use my skills and qualifications which easily transitioned to Technician roles with other brands outside of Jaguar Land Rover.
Later on an opportunity became available at a Local FE college as an Instructor Technician. This was something that interested me as I had always enjoyed helping people to develop within their role and with their careers. My new role later saw me progress again to become a Motor Vehicle Lecturer and then Course Manager. During my time with the college I participated in the delivery of classroom based training, the teaching of qualifications and the associated assessment of learners.
Once I felt I had achieved everything that I could from the role I decided to look for an alternative position to further my career.
A role became available at the Jaguar Land Rover Academy as a Service Technician Apprentice Trainer which I was drawn to as I had knowledge on the brand’s vehicles and technologies. Naturally I was also attracted due to my affinity with the brand, something that had stayed with me since my days as an apprentice. I was successful in my application and I have been working at the Academy since 2016, aiding and guiding the new apprentices and kick starting their careers.
I have come full circle in my career and get a real buzz from supporting learners to achieve their ambitions and influence their decision making”.
