Supply Chain Aerospace Engineering Apprentice Review

Civil aerospace supply chain engineering higher apprenticeship. Daily tasks include learning and partaking in basic engineering and manufacturing processes such as welding, electronics, turning, milling, drawing and many more, alongside completing level 2 NVQ qualifications. Online and class based courses also take place throughout the apprenticeship to give broader understandings on topics such as health and safety, gas turbine knowledge and more. One day a week I attend university where I am completing a foundation degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

I am completing a level 2 NVQ and throughout the apprenticeship will advance to a level 4 NVQ. At university, I am completing a foundation degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering and will have the opportunity to top this up to a bachelors degree in the final year of the apprenticeship. There are many internal training courses which take place throughout the year to help improve skills such as presentation skills, and knowledge on specific work based topics amongst others.

I enjoy all aspects of the apprenticeship programme, especially all of the practical aspects of the learning which takes place on a daily basis. The apprenticeship instructors and staff are all knowledgeable in their fields and are approachable and down to earth. The university side of the apprenticeship is good but there are occasional issues with the quality of lecturers teaching. The overall work environment is relaxed but professional which makes it an enjoyable working environment.

The managers are all very appreciative of the work being put in by apprentices and regular reviews are set up between managers and apprentices. These are so progress can be tracked and any concerns raised. When I completed a project with colleagues, it was recognised by both instructors and managers and praise was given.

The programme is very structured. An induction was given at the beginning of the apprenticeship giving a brief overview of what the structure of the apprenticeship is. A clear training plan is set out from the start which is updated regularly to allow for flexibility. Anny issues can easily be raised with managers. The overall programme is very well organised.

There is plenty of support available if needed within the apprenticeship. This can be from instructors, tutors or managers. They are happy to help with any issues and provide guidance with problems. The general attitude towards support is positive and makes approaching issues much easier. I have not needed much support but I know that it is available if needed.

Managers provide a lot of support throughout the apprenticeship and have one to one meetings every eight to twelve weeks to track progress and set up any support if needed. Buddies are set up for new apprentices at the beginning so that any questions you may feel nervous about asking a manager, can be sent to a current apprentice who can give an answer from an apprentice point of view.

At the start of the apprenticeship I moved out from home and I am currently living in a rented flat on my own. On the current salary this is manageable, even though it is the starting salary. The place of work is easily accessible, making travel easy and inexpensive. The starting salary does put pressure on social costs and makes it difficult to put money into savings.

Whilst on the apprenticeship, there is the apprentice and graduate association (AGA) which can be joined. This association organises social events and sporting activities throughout the year which can be attended. There are also clubs and unions which can be joined at the university such as lacrosse, rugby, football and many more.

Yes

The apprenticeship scheme is definitely worth considering as it is a practical alternative to just going to university. Learning is easier at work at Rolls-Royce in comparison to at university because of how practical it is. The scheme is really well organised and is rewarding for apprentices. I do not regret my decision to join Rolls-Royce at all.

Be honest and confident in the interview. They like to hear about experiences you've had such as volunteer work, employment, school projects etc. Do as much research as possible but do not worry if you get things wrong in the interviews as you are not expected to be experts on the subject. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to university.