Civil Aerospace Higher Apprentice Review

I am a Civil Aerospace Higher Apprentice. I learn and interact with the systems used to monitor and control engineering development activities. Work is largely computer based, but I have to interact with a lot of other people and get stuck in solving problems face-to-face. I spend my time split between training activities and solving real-world problems for customers. This is a great introduction to working in the engineering industry and an appreciation of a large engineering company.

I have learnt how to write technical documentation, use Rolls Royce systems, interact with the department and individuals, and talk directly to customers like Airbus. I have also taken internal courses on Presentation Skills, a 5-day intensive course detailing Gas Turbine Engines that is equivalent to a GCSE, improved my engineering skills like Turning, CNC Turning, Milling, and Electrical and Electronics.

I enjoy the programme very much. Rolls-Royce apprentices go on placements and there is a variation of personal interest in the work, but the job always has enjoyable aspects. Teamwork is very satisfying and provides social opportunities like sport and leisure. The company culture is positive and friendly - everybody is happy to help and on your side. I was initially uncomfortable approaching strangers with questions but have grown into it.

My managers on placement are encouraging and supportive, and I am recognised for my work and results of my projects. Apprentices are always involved in business tasks/projects and are given plenty to work on, then appreciated for contributing. Training staff are largely very friendly, but can be misunderstanding or unintentionally condescending, as many apprentices already understand, or appreciate, engineering principles thanks to our University studies. Our managers have faith in apprentices and the potential they have for bringing the company into the future.

The program structure is rigid and involves some redundant training, but we can influence our placements by contacting our placement managers. We are given time to study and a day-release to university. Upon joining the company, each apprentice is assigned a buddy from the year above. Our managers consider our NVQ and delegate work to help achieve our performance evidence. There is a team hierarchy. purely in terms of who can do what officially, but everybody is treated as equal from my experience.

Our learning provider is EAL. Training in the Learning and Development Centre is largely contracted to Training Unlimited or Derby College with mixed results- tutors can be too authoritative and treat employees learning from them as lesser. Online training courses are easily accessible.

I have a 12-weekly review with my development leader. Support is accessible by contacting the training team or meeting personally. Our managers are largely supportive. We have access to the trade union and they have our back. We have briefings with our departments called "all-hands" briefings that keep us up to date with their activities and results from the wider programme. These are great for integrating us into the business and increasing our awareness. Sometimes, apprentices have assumptions made about them but largely positive intent is assumed.

I live with my partner and my salary covers the cost of a good flat. I live far from work and the company arranges a bus for people who need to travel from across town. I bring lunches to work because catering is not subsidised and offers limited options too dearly- a decent, healthy and satisfying lunch can cost upwards of £4.50, or a tiny salad for £3 upwards, or you throw health to the wind and have chips for £1. This is in my opinion desperate and obvious greed, and for a company committed to Health and Wellbeing more should be done. Most months I save money after all costs, though my rent is below average.

The RR Apprentice and Graduate Association puts on lots of social events at discounted costs for members, including a yearly Charity Ball. Rolls-Royce also has various sports teams who train weeknights and play on the weekends. We are encouraged to be a STEM ambassador for Rolls-Royce and join initiatives outside of work. When I'm not working, I throw movie-nights, go bouldering, go to pub quizzes and play social sport with friends from the apprenticeship. Options are also available from University of Derby, like the Winter Sports Society, Rugby and American Football teams, and student rates for the gym (£100/year!)

Yes

Rolls-Royce apprentices have professional and social opportunities in abundance. Work/life balance is great. It is very satisfying and enjoyable to be at the cutting edge, and engineer the future.

I would advise getting involved in a academic/otherwise project before applying, as well as gathering a good understanding of engineering principles (A-level Physics, Maths (Mechanics) is advised). Watch the documentary "How to Build a Jumbo Jet Engine" to get an appreciation of Rolls-Royce, read up on company history and get some books on basic Gas-Turbine technology, or ask a colleague or academic leader to take you through it. Rolls Royce plc. is an engineering company but does not own the "Rolls Royce Motor Car Company", who produce the Rolls Royce cars.