Advanced Technical Apprentice Review

My job title is an advanced product definition apprentice level 3. My day to day task involve moving around the company on placements as I am in my third year gaining experience and solving problems as though I was a full time worker. I am currently working in turbines working with static nozzle guide vanes. As I move around the company I am constantly looking to satisfy NVQ evidence for completion of the apprenticeship.

Whilst working at Rolls-Royce I have gained many qualifications to further my skill base and knowledge. The first of all completing a level 2 NVQ in engineering in my first year and completing the level 3 BTEC in engineering up to my 2nd year. Rolls-Royce offer many personal development skill courses such as manual handling, presentation skills etc. to make a better employee and person. To set me up in the work place I completed a 10 week course of product lifecycle management and a 10 week course in manual drawing to pursue a career in product definition.

I really enjoy my programme I have been built up from a basis of engineering and am slowly being focused and brought up to speed to become a specialist in product definition through courses and hands on experience solving real world problems. The company culture is good as it is constantly striving to make the workplace a better place and a more enjoyable experience to work in. I was pleasantly surprised coming into the company how helpful everyone is.

Working at Rolls-Royce I feel like a valued member of the team. I have constant reviews with my apprentice development leader when I have issues or for feedback. I also have regular meetings with my NVQ assessor who checks my progress and offers advice as to where I can get evidence from. As I move around the company I get manager feedback which includes a points system and comments section.

When I started Rolls-Royce I was inducted into the apprenticeship. I have been constantly training in various forms such as my NVQ level 2 programme in the first year, Level 3 BTEC in engineering in the second year and now funding for foundation degree in engineering now I am in third year. The mentor system is well structured getting regular feedback from my apprentice development leader and NVQ assessor.

I constantly receive regular feedback from my apprentice development leader roughly every 12 weeks when we go through my NVQ progress, attendance, any issues I might have etc. To get support from my apprentice development leader I simply need to email her or arrange a meeting through outlook. My leader is always happy to help and usually has a resolution for instantly or gets back to me as soon as possible.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager had a meeting with me before I started to discuss targets for the placement and regularly gives me tasks to build my knowledge in the turbines area. When I need IT support there is a hotline number to call which directs me to the help I need and they either fix my problem on the phone or give me a reference number and work in the background for me and the solution will be emailed to me.

My salary suits me fine for my costs. Like anyone would say more money would be nice but the salary I earn now suits me as I still live at home with few bills. My living costs are very little other than buying the odd thing from the shops for my family. One of my biggest costs is transport paying a high insurance premium due to my age and lack of no claims bonus. My daily costs are just my lunch money but I vary from eating at the canteen to pre-preparing foods. Socially most of my money is spent visiting friends and doing my hobbies mountain biking and racing motorbikes.

Rolls-Royce encourages you to do many events outside of work such as the many clubs associated with the company. Rolls-Royce also appear at careers events and celebration evenings that apprentices are invited to talk at or help out. The 'AGA' is a club system which organises activities with work which members pay a little into for many benefits and clubs at a much discounted price. When I'm not at work I mountain bike, run and race motorcycles.

Yes

I would recommend Rolls-Royce to a friend because its a great place to work and hopefully a job for life because of the magnitude of different areas and roles to work in. The salary is competitive and the people are really friendly and helpful. The technology at Rolls-Royce is cutting edge and there are many new projects to work on in the future.

My tips would be to gain the best qualifications you can, make sure you have interesting hobbies and as much experience in your field as possible. Keep calm and relax in the interviews the people are only there to help you and get the best out of you. Make sure you come at Rolls-Royce with a positive interested attitude and enjoy the apprenticeship.