Higher Engineering Apprentice Review

As a higher manufacturing engineering apprentice I complete placements in different areas of the turbine facilities. my daily tasks differ from placement to placement, at the moment I am working on a project on grinding for Rolls-Royce, interacting with many apprentices, managers and even the chairman of RR. I daily see apprentices both internally and externally .

I completed a PEO level 2 during my first year as an apprentice which developed new skills, especially practical such as: welding, turning, milling, electronics, CAD and CNC. I also completed many internal courses involving, ethical, health and safety, HPC and finance training. In my second year I am working towards and NVQ level 4.

I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of working for RR, including each team I have worked in and how I have been treated in each placement. The apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations so far and I have had the opportunity to network much more than I would've expected when beginning the apprenticeship.

I feel like Rolls-Royce is invested in every apprentice's future. I personally feel valued and invested in, especially by my ADL who seems to want the best opportunities for me. The business also appreciates apprentices for support on certain tasks, meaning that we as apprentices can get involves in real world jobs/projects.

my programme is very well structured in the sense that I know what my next placement is and where it is when the information is needed. When starting a new placement, an induction is always carried out and the team is always very supportive. University is organised well and only takes a day out of each working week. Task delegation is usually left to the manager who will give me a job; however if there are no jobs I will take it upon myself to ask for work.

If guidance is needed Derby University have tutors for my class. If the tutors are asked a question they do provide a suitable answer. Derby University have an average attitude towards supporting the students, depending on the tutor. Personally I have had tutors that are very enthusiastic, and others which mark harshly, with no explanation.

I receive support from my ADL when it is needed as well as my NVQ assessor and training plan officer. If I have any problems with my apprenticeship, training plan or university, these are the people that I would go to. So far I have had no issues. These people have been very supportive so far and have no issues with me asking questions.

The salary that I get is liveable; however there is not much room for small luxuries. I have no student loans or overdraft so I have managed to budget well but I have to be careful on how many social activities I do a month. Derby is not too expensive for renting property so I have managed sufficiently.

I have volunteered for many STEM events for Rolls-Royce both inside and outside work and I find these very beneficial for both myself and the company. I am also involved in a German exchange in which RR set up and us 5 apprentices have to organise accordingly, because of this RR also supply German lessons to us apprentices who are involved in the exchange. In my spare time I play netball with the Rolls-Royce team.

Yes

The opportunities given by Rolls-Royce are so substantial that you could not turn them down. I have gained many hands on skills as well as presentation skills and knowledge that I would not have gained from University. I have gained contacts throughout the business which will help me with my future job and at the end of my apprenticeship that's 3 years' worth of contacts that I also wouldn't have if I went to University instead of doing an Apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce.

To just be yourself, especially if you get an interview. I believe that RR want employees who work well in a team, after all no job can be complete quickly and satisfactory if there is only one person in the loop and completing it. Once you have the job, take every opportunity that you get given, even if it's outside your comfort zone, this is when you grow the most. Just enjoy it.