Specialist Science Apprentice (Non-Destructive Testing) Review

I am on the Specialist Science Apprenticeship following the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Route rather than the Laboratories route. I spend about 3 months in different manufacturing or repair facilities, or in the main NDT laboratory. When on the shop floor I inspect components using the various NDT techniques to gain experience so I can become a qualified Level 2 inspector. The end goal is to become a NDT Level3, controlling the NDT processes and developing techniques. In the central NDT lab I carry out inspections for the Failure Investigation. I am also doing a project involving ultrasonic testing, trying to develop a technique to detect vacuum loss in Trent fan blades with TAP (Transient Acoustic Propagation) testing. My overall role is varied and involves the practical work of processing and inspecting components, as well as writing reports and other means of recording inspection results. I am also a STEM ambassador and am involved in other activities not directly related to NDT.

I have developed numerous soft skills, such as my IT skills, confidence delivering presentations and working on my own solving problems. I have also learnt a lot about NDT and engineering in general. I have passed the Level 2 theory exams in Penetrant Inspection, Radiography Testing, Ultrasonic Testing, Eddy Current Testing and Magnetic Particle Inspection at South West School of NDT. I have also gained a Distinction in an Engineering BTEC. I have done numerous internal training courses covering health and safety, AutoCAD, Business Improvement Techniques and other courses more specific to engineering and my apprenticeship.

I really enjoy my programme as it combines theory and practical work and is very varied. It stretches me and I am always learning something new. Everyone I have worked with has been very friendly and supportive. The company has very strong values which they are getting better at communicating and embedding in the company. Overall my apprenticeship has surpassed my expectations so I generally look forward to work.

I feel valued at Rolls-Royce in general as I have regular reviews with my Apprentice Development Manager and my Business Manager. At my reviews my performance is rated overall and I am encouraged to get involved in different projects e.g. helping at Daughters to Work Day, forming part of focus groups on further education and helping out at careers events. People from other departments I have done NDT work for have also given feedback directly to me and also to my manager. Other apprentices have entered national CNC competitions and gained external recognition.

Our scheme is relatively new so there has been some issues regarding its organisation, although this is mainly with the Laboratories route. The BTEC was badly organised as we changed from physically going to Derby college to studying under Derby college lecturers at the Rolls-Royce Academy. Although the change was beneficial as we had been studying with students from other companies who had not done A Levels, we had to self-study some modules.

I currently study Materials Engineering FdEng at Sheffield Hallam University. The level of support varies between tutors, but in general is okay. It could be better organised including the day's structure and the course content (some modules repeat each other and we were taught how to write a report after we had had to hand lab reports in which were part of our overall grade).

I have an Apprentice Development Leader (ADL) who I meet with regularly, and I also speak to my business manager. With my ADL I review what I have been doing on placements and any training I have done, create new targets and kept up to date on health and safety and ethics. There are many sources of support, including my trainers in each placement, my ADL and online resources such as the ethics line. My managers are very supportive of me reporting all H&S concerns and suggesting any improvements.

My salary is sufficient for my needs as my travel costs are very low as I cycle to work. I bought my flat due to gifts from my family so I don't have to pay rent, but I have sufficient money to cover all my living costs. I also don't have high social costs as I don't drink and my hobbies are relatively inexpensive.

There are many opportunities to join clubs and the Apprentice & Graduate Association, and to help out at different events e.g. Careers events, STEM activities. I have helped out at careers events and STEM activities and met up with other apprentices outside of work. I have not joined any of the clubs but that is my own choice. I spend a lot of my time studying out of work for my degree, and I also spend Sundays at church and with friends there. I also enjoy the outdoors, walking and cycling.

Yes

It is a great company to work for and very supportive of further education. In general everyone is very friendly and helpful and there is so much opportunities for you to learn about engineering in general.

Its all very well having the correct grades on your CV but its the extra things e.g.g the soft skills that have a big impact, especially in your interviews. Its also best to not list soft skills you have, but to show how you have them e.g. due to projects you have done, clubs you have joined etc.