Work Experience Placement Review

I recently spent 3 weeks at Rolls-Royce Aerospace on work experience. Each day was extremely varied and I had the opportunity to see many areas of the site including but not limited to: engine test beds, x-ray lab, rapid prototyping, GOM scanning. Visits to the on-site Heritage centre were also arranged to learn about the history of the company and their range of products. I interacted and worked with engineers across several different disciplines, such as development, service and design engineers, and performing basic admin jobs for the MRO team.

Work experience in an Engineering company can be limited as students are restricted as to what they can and cannot do/perform. There is a lot of technical information required to perform certain tasks and as such responsibility can not be easily delegated. However, with brief on-the-spot training I was able to perform basic admin roles for the MRO team, which helped me understand the amount of logistics and paperwork behind practical activities. I spent some time learning and using software to produce TLP's.

I enjoyed the programme a lot - mainly due to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere between all engineers and team members. They have 'Dress down Fridays' which further helps create a relaxed working atmosphere, where I didn't feel embarrassed asking what I thought might be 'silly' questions. I felt able to develop good relationships with the team despite being there for only 3 weeks, which enabled me to make the most out of the process, expressing certain interests and asking loads of questions.

As a work experience student only on-site for 3 weeks, I didn't feel particularly valued - the experience was more for my learning benefit rather than to add value to the team of engineers.

My 3 weeks were incredibly varied, with organised tours and department visits arranged for me to attend. I had no induction as such, but had one 'mentor' for my time there who I could express certain interests to about visiting certain departments, and who would swiftly arrange this for me.

Since I was there for such a short period of time I did not experience any issues that required support. However, the support and encouragement provided from every engineer I spent time with was evident and I felt as if they were interested in connecting with and supporting me in any way possible.

I am unable to answer this as I was not 'employed' by the company, only there for 3 weeks in different departments.

The work experience placement was un-paid, however the company do offer numerous summer and year-long placements which offer a good salary.

There is plenty of exciting things going on both on-site and off-site within the company. Whilst I was there, for example, the company held a 'Vintage Car' exhibition over the lunch period. As a young woman in STEM, I was also excited hearing about the companies outreach activities and initiatives that aim to inspire younger generations of both boys and girls into STEM subjects.

Yes

You have the chance to be involved with one of the world's most established and reputable engineering companies where people are passionate and interested in what they are doing.

I am a university student who has not yet been formally employed by Rolls-Royce, but hope to gain a year-long placement within the next year. From talking with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Defence Operations regarding opportunities and application processes, key things I've noted are gaining as much practical experience as possible, being able to demonstrate and refer to activites that prove your passion for engineering, and to not be daunted by the somewhat rigorous application processes of interviews and assessment days!