Materials Laboratories Apprentice Review

Job Title: Materials Laboratories Apprentice Daily Tasks: Completing NVQ questions, running test rigs and reviewing and giving input on reports and projects. Daily Interactions (Internally): Working as part of a local team, completing investigations with them and inputting ideas on projects. Daily Interactions (Externally): Collaborating with other teams to discuss issues and ways of mimicking those tests within a controlled environment. Responsibilities: Completing test programs and ensuring that projects stay on course. Projects: What Do I Do Every Day: Come in at 7:45, make a cup of tea, read through emails, check diary for the day, complete some investigations when I am free and ensure that NVQ work is up to date, leave at 16:00.

Qualifications: NVQ Aerospace and Aviation Diploma (Level 2), NVQ Engineering and Manufacturing Diploma (Level 4), BEng Materials Engineering and Mechanical Design (Aerospace) [Studied at University of Derby], Employee Rights and Responsibilites Certificate (Level 2) [All other training courses provided by Rolls-Royce, within Rolls-Royce]. Internal Training Courses: Too many! :D Wide variety of internal training courses including Health and Safety, Presentation Skills and Safe Driving Practices. External Training Courses: Outward Bound Trust Course. Personal/Professional Skills: Presenatational Skills, Teamwork, Project management and other generic professional developments. What have I learnt: A lot! In NVQ 2 - Learned how to complete turning, milling, sheet metal fabrications and welding. University - How a plane flies, mathematics, CAD design and Materials Design.

Work: Work is interesting and varied, every day there is something different, variety of office based work and practical tasks/investigations. Team: Great team environment, everyone is helpful and supportive (especially being an apprentice) and your ideas are always asked after, to see if you can provide alternate ideas. Company Culture: Company is great, no issues. Theyre good at forward planning and everyone is encouraged to support and talk between one another in the office. Do I enjoy it?: Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes! I love the program and thoroughly enjoy studying for my degree.

Appreciation: Feel a valued resource as an apprentice - lots of opportunities given and lots of help when needed. Internal Recognition/External Recognition: Annual awards evenings and presentation ceremonies for excelling apprentices. Involvement with tasks/projects: I am part of the power gearbox ultrafan project, which involves completing test programs and reporting back on findings. Other projects have included the wear of surfaces on journal bearings to determine which surface finish is appropriate. Was I Valued?: Yes, I feel as though my opinions are valued within the wider team and that I shouldnt feel afraid to express them.

2 week company induction - included outward bound course as well as generic induction into what you will be doing whilst studying here. Training: Instructor training is provided throughout the time spent in the workshop, with degree provided by UoD. Support: Regular meetings with line managers, and regular meetings with a training manager. [This will include putting together a support plan if necessary] Studying: A lot of studying but its worth it! Programme Generally: Very well thought through, hollistic in nature, building on previous knowledge and experiences. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I feel that I have a solid base within Aerospace for the future.

Training is provided by Rolls-Royce [Training 2000] and the University of Derby. Where necessary a tutor is more than willing to support you. Generally any problems you have will be addressed within 48hours. Whilst at university you have your own personal mentor who meets once an academic term to ensure that you are confident with what you are doing.

Lots of support where necessary from both your line manager and training manager. Support is readily accessible and easy to access if you just ask. Very supportive attitude as no problem is a trouble.

Salary c.a. £950 per month after tax (1st year) increasing to c.a. £1750 per month after tax (4th year). Living Costs: £450 per month (inc. bills) Travel Costs: A car... (c.a. £150-£200 per month) Daily/Social Costs: £10-£15 Location: Derby Tight budget in first year, but you'll soon get a pay rise.

Lots of activities outside of work, including company owned gym and apprentice and graduate associations. You can participate in university groups however they may be within working hours (so you can't necessarily attend). Everyone gets 5 days per year to participate in community activities and volunteer at events.

Yes

Great company to work for and very supportive.

Application Process: Don't make anything up and just be yourself! Don't cheat yourself on the tests (you will have to re-take them on the assessment day). Think about the questions and reply in the closest way to how you think you would act in that situation. Interviews: Be yourself and youll be fine! Assessment Days: Again, just be yourself, enjoy them and don't fret about anything! :)