Upkeep Support Engineer Review

My role is an Upkeep support Engineer, it is our responsibility to plan and support the maintenance periods of the naval submarine fleet. Daily tasks include keeping an up to date plan and database working directly with the MoD. I am currently working on a project to simplify their local procedures.

During this apprenticeship I have learnt many different skills both practical and theoretical gaining skills which I could not have obtained from any other route. I have not only gained skills but I have gained the mind set required to succeed in a world leading company such as Rolls-Royce.

I have made friends with other apprentices and graduates from various in take getting involved with the social and charity events throughout the year, I have not always enjoyed the work as not a huge amount of responsibility is given to apprentices as we're still in training. It did not reach my expectations unfortunately and part of me wishes I had chosen to go to university but I'm glad that I stuck it through as I'm in a much better position than I would have been otherwise.

I feel valued by my direct team and managers, however in such a large company it is hard to feel valued from the company itself. Its harder to stand out of a crowd the bigger the crowd gets, and I feel that my efforts to go the extra mile go un-noticed. I feel valued in tasks and projects that I work on as my input is listened to and acted upon accordingly.

There was a lot of confusion with the course structure itself, with the changing of university half way through the course, placements not being organised and assessors not being available to mark our work.

Sufficient support is readily available, however a lot of the support comes from peers who are also going through the apprenticeship.

there is plenty of support from the employer available for all sorts of issues including a union for any issues which are not able to be resolved.

If you live at home it is amazing and you'll have loads of spare cash to do what you want with, however I moved away to come here, the salary just about covers the cost when living thriftily. it becomes frustrating towards the end of the apprenticeship as you're now doing the exact same job as people around you, as well as additional training and courses. however getting paid far less than everybody else.

It depends if you know where to look. I help organise social events for apprentice and graduates alike bringing the social community together. As a committee we aim to organise several events a month including paintballing, skydiving and ski trips.

No

I have not particularly enjoyed my time here, just about getting by financially and suffering mentally during my time here.

Be yourself