Manufacturing Management Trainee Review

During my 4 year apprenticeship I get the change to complete multiple different 6 month placements around the business. The scheme I am on is focused on manufacturing management, so all the placements that I do are themed around manufacturing. I have completed placements in areas such as: Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Planning, Shop floor management and business improvement. Day to day my the tasks I complete depend on which placement I am currently on. But to give an example, when doing a shop floor management placement, my day to day tasks would involve managing shop floor workers, and making sure they are hitting their targets, as well as planning their workload.

As part of my course I get a masters degree from Warwick university in engineering business management. I also receive green belt six sigma training and accreditation following a successful project. As well as this I have learnt many new skills during my placements, and have been on many classroom based courses to learn new skills such as presentation skills. I also completed 3 months shop floor based training where I learnt the basics of turning, milling, welding etc.

I really enjoy the programme I am doing, as the day to day job is always interesting and different and the university side is really interesting too. The teams I have worked with during placements have all been supportive and fun to work with. Overall, the course has far exceeded my expectations.

I feel very valued by Rolls-Royce, as they have put a lot of confidence in me. I am given a great deal of responsibility at work, and I value this greatly. Having regular reviews with my apprentice leader and line managers is a good way for them to show their appreciation and I enjoy these reviews.

The organisation of my programme is exceptional - and all the tools are always in place for me to do my job. There is a 4 year plan laid out from the start of my course - and this means I always know what I am doing. We are encouraged to find or helped to find mentors from inside the business and this a great help in developing our careers.

I receive good support from my training provider, and we have regular review meetings to discuss any issue and or concerns. My training provider is very approachable and only a phone call or visit away. He is always happy to help no matter what kind of support I need.

Rolls-Royce provide a great deal of support to their employees, and they have many different assistance programmes in place for anyone that needs them. I have multiple support channels whether it's line manager, apprentice leader, mentor or my buddy, who is an apprentice on my course but a year older than me.

My salary adequately covers my costs of living and travelling. I believe we get paid very competitively especially for someone joining straight from school - and even though I wish we got paid more, the benefit of having no university loans is a very worthy trade off!

Rolls-Royce offer many opportunities outside of work. I have taken part in many STEM based activities where we go into local schools and deliver STEM themed activities and training. There is also the apprentice and graduate association who organise social and charity events.

Yes

Rolls-Royce is a fantastic company to work for because they are working in an interesting field, and treat their employees extremely well. The training I am receiving is world class - and I believe I will be in a better position than a normal university graduate after 4 years.

One tip I would give is that before an interview, make sure you are up to date on news and events relating to Rolls-Royce and their markets. Make sure you know what the share price is and show an understanding and interest in what the company does.