Higher Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice Review

Higher Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice First year consisting of hands-on practical training in performing engineering operations such as machining, welding, fitting etc. Followed by integration into the organisation in the business areas. On-the-job training in a variety of manufacturing engineering related roles. You perform tasks day-to-day and compile a portfolio of evidence for all the work completed. Jobs are to be tailored towards the Manufacturing Engineering NVQ qualification.

Communication skills Confidence Developed further understanding of the key engineering operations Presenting skills

I enjoy the programme most days, it is an environment that you can learn a lot from if you apply yourself to it. I enjoy it most when I am being taught from professionals and learning something new and collaborating within a team. Visiting other parts of the organisation and being active is what I have found most enjoyment from up till now. I don't enjoy when workloads compound from day-to-day jobs, NVQ and further education all at once. I don't enjoy when I don't know what I am doing, or I am disinterested as the desire to apply myself decreases.

Rolls-Royce take much pride in their apprentices and provide them with lots of career oppurtunities. I do feel that the size of apprentice workforce can be detrimental to this though.

The initial phase of the apprenticeship is very structured, you are given a training plan that you stick too in order to complete your qualifications. Once this is done, and you are integrating into the business the structure and organisation decreases slightly. The training plan isn't as rigid and can sometime be left to your own devices. This isn't too much

I have regular meetings with my apprentice development leader and my NVQ assessor to ensure that I am on track in completing my apprenticeship and that the quality of work I am producing is excellent.

Some managers are much more supportive than others. However, I gain a great deal of confidence and enjoyment in the work I do, when the employer shows lots of interest and offers support to better my career. The employer provides lots and lots of training too, not just engineering based, but self-help training too - to better myself as a person and employee.

I live at home, so I can manage, but feel that if I had costs of rent, utilities etc. I would be really struggling. Higher apprentices could benefit from higher wages - as some highers can join at 25+ and may have more costs to care for than a younger apprentice who has joined the organisation after school.

There are lots of oppurtunities outside of work. - Networking with colleagues at sports/company events. - Interacting with other apprentices and graduates via the agA. - Invitations to award ceremonies. - Community outreach projects.

Yes

Great career support and oppurtunities. Training and exposure to a wide range of careers, not typically engineering based. Quality associated with the brand is looked upon fondly by others.

Show that you have applied yourself to both practically and technically in experiences before applying. Show that you have a basic level understanding of the Rolls-Royce business, its values, how it operates, the products and customers. Sell yourself - show them you are worth investing it.