UNDERGRADUATE Industrial Operations (Manufacturing Engineering and Programmes)
Undergraduate: Industrial Operations (Manufacturing Engineering and Programmes)
Duration: 12 months
Location: Solihull, Castle Bromwich, Battery Assembly Centre in Birmingham; Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, Gaydon, Whitley, Halewood
Salary: £23,434
Industrial Operations is at the very heart of JLR. This chapter incorporates our manufacturing engineering, procurement and supply chain teams, and consolidates accountability for the complete ecosystem of how we produce our vehicles, in one place. Our industry leading schemes are aimed at undergraduates who have a passion for learning and a pioneering mindset: ambitious, innovative and determined individuals who understand our heritage and think beyond the challenges of today to build the cars of tomorrow, on projects that are fundamental to our global success of our company.
Pathways
Enjoy a variety of roles across several different pathways, each helping deliver the most iconic modern luxury brands in the automotive industry. Each role has certain entry requirements and involves a variety of work across many teams and functions within JLR. You can only apply for one pathway – so choose carefully.
MANUFACTURING Engineering: WEST MIDLANDS
Applications open: 15th October 2024
Applications close: TBC
On the Industrial Operations: Manufacturing undergraduate programme in the West Midlands, you could work in one of the following departments within Global Manufacturing Engineering (GME) or across our Solihull Plant including area such as Trim & Final, Paint, Quality or Material Planning & Logistics (MP&L), Paint, Launch or Body in White (BIW). You will be allocated to a department based on personal preferences and business needs.
Global Manufacturing Engineering (GME) - Our GME team supports the projects and innovations that bring our Reimagine strategy to life across our global locations. Join us and you will be responsible for the design, installation and commissioning of manufacturing facilities and processes to build the modern luxury vehicles of the future.
Solihull Plant - Our Solihull Plant is home to a number of teams responsible for ensuring we optimise our equipment to meet production order volumes, quality and cost targets whether that be of existing products, new vehicle launches or ensuring the smooth flow of parts from suppliers around the globe. Whichever team you join, you will gain hands on experience of continuous improvement, problem solving and seeing the impact of the changes you have made to ensure the delivery of the highest quality vehicles across the plant.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST APPLICATION PROCESS
What you'll need
You will need to be on track to achieve at least a 2.2 degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, material engineering, or aeronautical or automotive engineering if you have a strong interest in manufacturing. We may also require civil engineers for construction roles.
You will also have real passion for problem-solving and the curiosity to understand business challenges and deliver innovative solutions. Finally, you will require strong numerical and interpersonal skills and the confidence to champion new initiatives.
Please note that our undergraduate placement opportunities are open only to penultimate-year students (those who will be returning to their final year of study or on an integrated Masters after their placement with us). All our undergraduate programmes have a fixed start date, commencing July 2025.
APPLICATION PROCESS
ONLINE APPLICATION
Good news! We do not require a CV or cover letter to apply. Simply complete your online application form telling us about you, your motivations and your experience.
ONLINE TESTING
If you progress to the next stage we’ll ask you to complete a series of short online tests which you will complete independently. Passing this stage is based on your scores from completing your online assessments. Don’t forget to use the practice area to help you prepare. Click here to enter the practice test area.
ONLINE ASSESSMENT CENTRE
The next stage is the virtual assessment centre. This consists of a presentation exercise and behavioural interview. You’ll be provided with a preparation guide to help you at this final stage.
OFFER
We’ll share the outcome of your assessment centre within 2 weeks of you completing it. If you are successful, we’ll make you a verbal offer and confirm this in writing via email.
NEXT STEPS
Before you join JLR, we’ll give you all the information you need through post-offer engagement events, online platforms and more. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, we’re here every step of the way.
Want support with further guidance on our application process? You’re in the right place. Our new employability hub contains a breakdown at each stage and plenty of hints, tips and insight to help you to ace the assessment process and secure your dream offer.
Reasons to join
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Engage in a learning programme delivered by an industry-recognised provider. Improve your soft skills and couple it with technical learning to excel with us on placement.
BUILD EXPERIENCE
Learn and grow from industry-leading experts here to support your personal and professional development. Work in a culture fuelled by a passion to inspire brilliance within our people. A collective purpose that will help us deliver our Reimagine strategy.
COMMUNITY FEELING
Join with other undergraduates and early career hires. With opportunities to network and be proactive, the Early Careers Community gets involved in many social events – from football and dance to ski-trips, Christmas parties and summer festivals. Ease into working life in a way that suits you.
ACHIEVE THE EXCEPTIONAL
Don’t just watch, get stuck in. Deliver on crucial projects. Gain real experiences to enhance your degree. Celebrate tangible successes at the end of your placement. Make an impact and earn the chance to progress to our graduate scheme.
What to expect
Our undergraduate placements will deepen your curiosity, develop your knowledge and give you vital real-world experience. We encourage you to arrive with questions and be open-minded. Learn from industry experts and support networks who are there for you every step of the way. Gain real responsibilities during your placement and insights that will support and enhance the completion of your degree, as well as provide a foundation for your future career.
On successful completion of the undergraduate programme, you will be considered for a place on the graduate programme (subject to performance on placement, business demand and personal preferences).
INTRODUCTION
Start with corporate and local inductions into JLR, in July 2025. Receive an overview of our business and future strategic direction, network with other joiners / key stakeholders including our D&I networks and experience the workplace for the first time!
You’ll also get more details of your undergraduate programme and learning curriculum, gain exposure to our vehicles and meet the early careers team, here to support you at every step.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
During your year-long placement, develop key business skills including resilience, personal branding and self-care. And of course, gain experience working with industry professionals to develop your technical knowledge and abilities and bring your academic learning to life.
IMMERSE YOURSELF
Get the chance to tour one of our manufacturing sites and experience for yourself the transformation of our luxury vehicles. You might even get the chance to experience the capabilities of our vehicles first hand...
Want to have even more fun? Join our Young Professionals network and enjoy fun social activities such as skiing, summer / Christmas parties, football and much more!
DEVELOPMENT
Own your own journey. Apply your learning to real-world business issues as part of your role. You’ll have the ability to undertake shadowing experiences for up to 4 weeks, helping you broaden your knowledge of your business function and connect with new stakeholders. Expect to get stuck in and lead innovation – you’ll make an impact from the start.
CELEBRATION
End your placement with an undergraduate recognition event, designed to showcase your achievements over the year and get final insights from JLR before returning back to university to complete your studies.
We’ll tell you about our graduate returner process here too and give out some exciting awards – linked to our Creators' Code - you could be amongst the winners!
MEET OUR UNDERGRADUATES
Studio Engineering are a team of technical creatives who drive the fusion of engineering innovation and design quality. Collectively, the team have a vast range of knowledge from all different technical backgrounds, providing vital support to all stages of the design process. Truly proud creators of our modern luxury brands.
DAISY
Studio Engineer Undergraduate
My journey at JLR has been a wonderful experience. As an Information Technology for Business undergraduate on a year long placement, I'm immersed in innovative digital product projects and mentored by industry experts. Inclusive support allows me to practice my faith while contributing to innovative initiatives. This holistic growth shapes my aspiration to lead in digital technologies.
TAHA
Reimagine Undergraduate
CONTACT
CONTACT THE RECRUITMENT TEAM
We’re always pleased to hear from interesting and talented people. So, if you have any questions about the Undergraduate Programme, or if there’s anything else you’d like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Awards and recognition
At JLR, we are proud of the recognitions our programmes, recruitment campaigns and people receive, and partnerships we have with external organisations drive improvements across our business in diversity and inclusion.
As well as ranking 42nd in the prestigious Times Top 100 Graduate Employers for 2024, check out some of our other recent awards and recognitions.
Ranked 42nd in the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2024
Ranked 22nd in the Cibyl 2023 Top 300 Graduate Employers in the UK
Ranked 35th in the Cibyl 2023 Top 200 School Leaver Employers in the UK
Best Emerging Talent Recruitment Strategy
The Firm Awards 2023
Ranked 39th in the DfE Apprenticeship Top 100 Employers 2023 (up 58 places)
Shortlisted for TargetJobs Graduate Employer of The Year in the Engineering, Manufacturing & Design sector 2023
Business in the Community ‘Race at Work Charter’
Ranked 77th in the Rate My Apprenticeship Top 100, 2023
Stonewall Diversity Champion
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