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Suleman Ahmed_JLR Apprentice
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JLR OPENS APPRENTICESHIPS TO CANDIDATES WITH T-LEVEL AND BTEC QUALIFICATIONS TO WIDEN TALENT POOL

5 February 2024

  • Move comes as JLR transitions to electrification
  • JLR expands its apprenticeship schemes by 50 places, bringing the total to 350 places
  • Company has reintroduced Level Four Higher Apprenticeships for BTEC and T-Level students alongside those with A-Level maths
  • New Supply Chain and Procurement Degree Apprenticeship launched to enhance digital management of global electric vehicle value chain

Gaydon, 4 February 2024: JLR is today announcing it is opening up the entry requirements on an apprenticeship programme this year to attract candidates from a broader range of educational backgrounds.   

In a first for JLR, candidates with BTEC and T-Level qualifications can now apply for its Level Four Higher Apprenticeship in engineering, alongside candidates with A-level maths.  

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (5–9 February), the UK’s largest luxury car manufacturer is also adding a further 50 places to its 2024 apprenticeship scheme bringing the total number of available apprenticeships to 350, to offer a JLR career to more candidates. 

In readiness for the company’s next generation electric vehicle value chain, JLR has also launched a new Supply Chain and Procurement Degree Apprenticeship to help revolutionise the planning, resilience and sustainability of the company’s future global supply network. 

19-year-old, Suleman Ahmed, from Birmingham, a JLR Applied Professional Engineering degree apprentice, turned down a highly sought after place at the University of Cambridge in favour a JLR degree apprenticeship, because of the career prospects the company offers.  

Suleman is involved in the development of JLR’s next generation electric vehicles. He tests the physical durability of parts and the functionality of car systems using a mix of software, hardware and coding to simulate a real-world environment.

The JLR degree apprenticeship offers a great combination of working for an established global and well-known company and a place at prestigious university – Warwick - where I can attain a BEng qualification in just four years.

I have always been interested in becoming an engineer and crucially, I am growing and learning every day, contributing ideas and playing a role in engineering JLR’s next generation vehicles.

Suleman Ahmed, JLR Applied Professional Engineering Degree Apprentice

Central to JLR’s Reimagine strategy is our passion for giving people from all backgrounds the opportunity to have a fantastic and fulfilling career at JLR.

That is why we are changing the requirement for A-level maths on our Level 4 Higher Engineering Apprenticeship, to give those who may have pursued alternative qualifications with equal merit, such as BTEC and T-Levels, the chance to show their potential. Our ambition is to inspire the next generation of proud creators who will create exceptional experiences for our clients through our next generation modern luxury vehicles.

Caroline Leslie, JLR Global Head of Early Careers

This year's National Apprenticeship Week theme is 'Skills for Life,' and this is exactly what JLR is providing its apprentices with as they develop cutting-edge vehicle technology.

This Government champions high-quality apprenticeships which grow our economy, and in Gaydon this week I’ll meet with apprentices on these very schemes, who are building successful careers and delivering greener transport for all.

Technology and Decarbonisation of Transport Minister Anthony Browne

JLR is among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2023 in the UK, and has around 1,600 apprentices, graduates and undergraduates enrolled on its Early Years Careers programme. 

JLR apprenticeships help young people to gain essential STEM skills on the job, while earning and not accruing tuition debts. 

More detailed information about the programmes can be found on our website here - Apprenticeships - JLR Careers Apprenticeships - JLR Careers (jaguarlandrovercareers.com).

Notes to Editors

Pictured, apprentice Suleman Ahmed at JLR’s Gaydon Engineering Centre, Warwickshire.   

JLR Apprenticeship Roles 

Level 3 apprenticeships in Engineering & Manufacturing which are equivalent to A-Levels (and can be completed from 16+) 

Level 4 Higher Apprenticeships in Engineering (eligible to people with T Level & BTEC Qualifications or A-Level Maths) 

Level 6-degree apprenticeships in Digital & Technology Solutions (Software Engineering, Software with Data, Data Analytics), Applied Professional Engineering (Controls, Manufacturing, Electrical and Product Design & Development), Supply Chain (Logistics & Procurement) 

Level 7 in Finance (CIMA qualification).  

More detailed information about the programmes can be found on our website here - Apprenticeships - JLR Careers  Apprenticeships - JLR Careers (jaguarlandrovercareers.com) 

All apprenticeships are four years in length and the latest closing date for applications is the end of March. Please note that whilst we may give a guide to the closing date, we may close any of our programmes at any point and at short notice based on the volume of applications.  

Case study: 

 Suleman Ahmed –  Applied Professional Engineering Degree Apprentice – Controls Pathway 

Age: 19 

Hometown: Birmingham (moved to Coventry for degree apprenticeship) 

Prior Study: Studied 4 A-Levels (Math, Physics, Further Maths, Chemistry) at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in Birmingham. 

Enrolment process: Researched more about degree apprenticeships towards end of year 12 and start of year 13. Applied to JLR degree apprenticeship course in January 2023, followed by a psychometric exam, then 2 1-hour online interviews.  Suleman received the offer in April 2023 and started work at JLR in September 2023. 

Why JLR: The JLR degree apprenticeship offered the best combination of both a global, established and well-known company and a prestigious university (Warwick University) where I could attain a BEng qualification in just four years. 

My contribution to JLR’s next generation of vehicles: As a team, we test the parts and systems of vehicles planned to be released in the next couple of years. We run the cars through a continuous 12-week physical simulation (on a rig) equivalent to using the car for 10+ years (300,000km of use). We are essential to the process as we can identify problems with parts that need to be redesigned before being manufactured inside every car. 

What is a System Integration Engineer and why do we need them: Currently, I work as a System Integration Engineer in the testing department. We test either the physical durability of parts (e.g. the front steering rack) or the functionality of car systems (e.g. braking system). This involves working with a mix of software, hardware and coding to simulate an environment around each test piece and convince it into thinking it is on the road as opposed to on a controlled rig. I work a lot with understanding the different types of signals and microcontrollers (ECUs) in the car, and how these can be manipulated to carry out the test. We use several climate-controlled rooms (-40°C to 90°C), several full vehicle rigs and even a sunlight simulator to test how parts react and function under harsh conditions. 

Career aspirations: I have always been interested in STEM, especially finding out how things worked, and so becoming an engineer was always the way forward for me. I also have a big interest in AI and Machine Learning, hence would like to explore this in the future. 

Favourite thing about JLR: My favourite thing about JLR is actually the culture. JLR invest a lot into us as degree apprentices, and there is so much opportunity to grow and learn at work. We have opportunities to arrange placements in other teams and areas of the company, which helps you build a holistic view of the business and explore interests you may have outside of your department. This allows you to experience different parts of the business and discover what you enjoy doing the most. We also have a great Early Careers community where you can meet other apprentices and attend social events (e.g. hikes, bowling, ice skating etc). 

Why is a degree apprenticeship good: ''Six months ago, I was a normal A-Level student. Now, I am training to become an engineer at a global company, surrounded by industry professionals, involved in real life projects, being paid to study for a degree, and most importantly – growing and learning every step of the way! 

The beauty of my degree apprenticeship is that you are always learning. Whether it’s using a software, or understanding the physics behind certain technologies, not to mention studying for an engineering degree at the same time – you learn new things every day. Yes, it can be difficult and busy at times as you balance both work and a degree, however this pushes you to grow more than ever and to enjoy all the benefits of being a degree apprentice at JLR.'' 

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