Higher Engineering Apprentice - Nuclear Review

In my first year I am learning how to perform engineering operations, including; machining metals, welding, project planning and building and testing electrical circuits and equipment. Once a week I attend Derby University to conduct a foundation degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Almost all of the hands-on skills I've learned have been new. I have learned how to weld, turn, mill, use computer aided design software. I have been able to develop and exercise my skills of teamwork and organisation.

I enjoy my programme thoroughly, I feel it leads me in the right direction in my career and suits my abilities whist challenging me at the same time.

I do feel valued by Rolls-Royce. The investment to train apprentices both at work and university shows how Rolls-Royce want to train their apprentices to become effective employees in the future.

The programme is well structured on the most part. The workshop training plan shows apprentices where they have to be and when. A number of issues have arisen from errors in the training plan with some poor organisation. Booking on to training courses has also caused issues. The organisation at Derby University has also been quite poor on occasion.

I receive all the support I require from a number of people. My ADL runs weekly drop-in sessions to support apprentices, I can also email my ADL and instructors with any issues I may have with my training.

This is essentially the same as above. My employer provides the training for the most part. They provide support through ADLs, there is also a safeguarding team whom I can contact with personal issues I may have.

The salary covers my living wage. It is enough for me to live self-sufficiently in Derby. I do still have to be very careful with my money and despite this I am not really putting much money away. At this time though, considering I currently provide no economic asset to the company as I am being trained and my university fees are paid for, I feel this wage is more than fair.

Yes, I have joined the Rolls-Royce rugby team. This is massively beneficial to me both socially and to my fitness and wellbeing. It also gives me a chance to make friends with people all over the business of Rolls-Royce which could help me in my later career.

Yes

Because it is a massively prestigious company. For any young person interested in engineering an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce gives them both industry experience and academic qualifications.

Take a lot of time to think why they want to work here and if it is right for them. Make sure they are well prepared for interviews/assessments.