Aero Supply Chain Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

I am trained in the Rolls-Royce Learning and Development Centre for around half a year to gain a level 2 NVQ, after that I have 3 to 4 month placements in the businesses internal supply chain where I gain a level 4 NVQ. Jurying this time I am also studying for a foundation degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

I have gained skills in project management, business improvement, manual handling, technical communication, manufacturing techniques, materials selection, communication, risk assessment. I am also studying for a foundation degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering at the university of derby.

The program is engaging and fun, it really feels like I am doing something worth while. The pace of work is great, it is quick enough to provide a challenge on occasion but not too much stress. We are constantly asked for suggestions to improve the program and we have a weekly meeting to raise any issues, improvement suggests, good spots, or questions about the program.

Very valued, we have weekly meetings which allow us to raise and solve any issues we have. We are given a vast number opportunities to help the company and are own personal development, for example just last week some apprentices were given the opportunity to show a local MP round the apprentice training area. We are told that we are the future of the company, and with the amount of training and support we are given I believe it.

The initial training in Rolls-Royce's learning and development centre was well organised with the flexibility still to account for illness and holidays during the training. This year has seen a transition into paperless evidence for the NVQs this is still in the early stages of being adopted but is already providing easy storage of NVQ evidence. There is a buddy system where you can ask an older apprentice any questions you may have, as well as any of the training staff which will take time to point you in the right direction.

We are trained in groups usually of 10 or less by an experienced trainer who is either a contractor brought in for training or a company employee who has decided to become a trainer, they are supportive and have a positive attitude. When encountering problems the trainer gives useful advice and makes sure that it is a learning experience.

All apprentices have an apprentice development leader (ADL) whose job includes providing support to the apprentice along with regular reviews to track the apprentices progress, and help ensure that the courses are effective. The general attitude is very supportive, if I feel I have any concerns I know that I can talk to my ADL about them, or any trainer.

It covers my costs comfortably, leaving room for joining a very great pension program to help me save for my future. Other apprenticeships have a better starting salary, but those don't end in the opportunity to work for Rolls-Royce. There are pay rises jurying the apprenticeship and the opportunity for bonuses depending on the companies performance.

There are opportunities to join events run by the AGA (apprentice and graduate association) these are social events such as bowling, fund raisers, and even a skiing trip. It is also possible to join and use the Rolls -Royce leisure facilities that are located near the Rolls-Royce site in Derby. The site is located near to a cinema, bowling facilities, and shops. Which we use after work with friends.

Yes

Because Rolls-Royce is a great employer who provides a vast number of opportunities to their apprentices, and potential for future employment in a substantive role in the business. The other people are Rolls-Royce are brilliant, I really enjoy working with them as they are so kind, helpful, and motivated. I have recommended Rolls-Royce to many of my friends.

Find out about the company using the Rolls-Royce plc website, documentaries, and books such as "The gas turbine" and "The jet engine". The assessment centre was daunting walking in but we were all quickly put at ease by the friendly HR staff and assessors from the business, it ended up being a really enjoyable day that hooked me further on wanting to work for Rolls-Royce.