Higher Mechanical Apprentice Review

My role as a higher engineering apprentice is to assist engineers with their day to day tasks whilst also undertaking my own projects. I am based in the develoment aerospace business so I get involved with experimental engines which are not yet in production. Projects involve driving improvements.

Since starting I have completed a NVQ level 2 in engineering. A foundation degree in integrated engineering and I am also working towards a Bachelors Degree in engineering. I have also completed a number of training courses in ethics, presentation skill and integrity.

I enjoy my programme massively. The work I do makes me feel valued as I am given alot of responsibility. All of the teams are extremely welcoming and friendly and the company is great to work for with a really good sociable working culture. The programme exceeded my exectations.

I feel extremely valued by my company. If my performance is high then I am rewarded by being invited to corporate events and put forward for Exchange programmes.

The Programme is very well structured now. Although at the start it wasnt so good as there was some personell changes who were in charge of creating apprentice plans. There was a very well structured induction week in the first week and we were given a list of mandatory training courses that we had to book on to. The support structure is excellent with review meetings occuring every 12 weeks with our Apprentice Development leader.

We are given as much or as little support as we require. If we want to progress on at our own pace we are left to do it ourself although if we are having problems there are many support networks there to help guide us through the programme. Each apprentice is assigned an Apprentice Development Leader who is there to help us with our development, i always feel comfortable approaching my ADL regardless of the issue.

Again my employer gives me as much support as I need. My manager has weekly team meetings and makes everyone feel at ease which means we are made to feel comfortable about asking for any help/support. There are many support networks set up which are accessible through the intranet.

The starting salary is not the best for an apprentice that is having to relocate. I found myself spending the majority of my salary in my first year on living costs such as rent, food, petrol, car insurance, house insurance etc. This meant that I had to ask for financial support from my parents in the first year. I believe the majority of relocating apprentices need to seek financial help in their first year if they want to be able to afford the odd social activity which I beleive is important at a young age and also in an place where you want to be going out and meeting new people as you wont know anyone.

There are many activities outside work. Since joining the company I have been involved in running events through the apprentice and graduate assosciation such as skydiving, go-karting, charity balls, Ski-trips etc. I have also been invited on many nights out with work mates. There are also sports clubs in the area withing and outwith rolls-royce.

Yes

The company provides apprentices with as many opportunities as you want. There is always something to work towards which is really good for motivation. Since joining I have been on an exchange to germany, organised charity balls and also extremely enjoyed the quality and variation of work. There are no limits to what you can do and the company are extremely reasonable when it comes to allowing apprentices the freedom to join placements in areas that interested.

I would advise that the applicants mention engineering style projects that they have been involved with opposed to academic achievements. The interview is judged mostly on what type of person you are opposed to how acadmeic (this obviously plays a part). It is a big decision moving away at such a young age but i would definitely recommend it as i have been given so many development opportunites.