Higher Engineering Apprentice Review

Job Title: Higher Engineering Apprentice in the Civil Aerospcace Supply Chain Daily Tasks: Completing NVQ work and undertaking tasks relevant to the role/department that you are currently based in Daily Interactions: Engineers, Managers, Experts, Apprentices and Graduates. Some interaction with external suppliers if applicable to the placement. Projects: Projects usually have a scope that is achievable in the 3 month placement and are available if desired by the learner

New skills include professionalism and workplace knowledge - due to the varying roles a good understanding of the company as a whole is acquired. During the first year, I learnt a very thorough grounding in engineering which set you up for the workplace - this consists mainly of practical engineering knowledge that you would be surprised to learn is often more than some the people in your team on placement! I have completed my foundation degree and currently studying a bEng in Mechanical Engineering whilst completing a level 4 NVQ.

I enjoy my program due to the variety that it provides - almost all teams I have worked in have been very welcoming and helpful as they want me to learn and be a part of the team. this is due to the positive culture that we have. The scheme has met my expectations and I enjoy my work

I feel well valued by the company and any placement supervisors as they want me to develop to be the best that I can for the sake of the companies future. Recognition oftem comes in the form of an end-of-placement review that is undertaken by the apprentice and placement supervisor and through informal discussions.

The organisation of the course, whilst not awful, certainly could be improved. We are often the last people to hear about changes or information about our scheme and often only find out information through asking the right questions. This is probably not helped by our scheme having various ADL's, who are often over worked. Structure wise there is a placement plan which we use to organise out placement - this works well on the whole.

Adequate support from the university and from MVQ assessors

I have always received adequate support whenever I have requested it. My manager is happy to offer guidance and advice whenever I require it. I have only had to speak to HR once over a pay query and they resolved my query quickly and effectively. Generally throughout the company, all persons are very keen to help and mentor apprentices as they recognise the purpose of the scheme.

In comparison to other equivalent schemes, such as JLR, Bentley, National Grid, the salary of higher apprentices at Rolls-Royce is considerably lower. Especially the starting salary. however there is good progression through the achievement based pay increase structure that is in use and it motivates completion of NVQ which is important.

There are a lot of opportunities to complete STEM outreach events and I have participated in quite a few. there is also good opportunity for sports clubs. I have not personally taking part in any sports clubs, but I do however frequently socialise with friends that were met through my work and remain my colleagues.

Yes

Good scheme for entering into the engineering world and I feel I have an advantage in the workplace over equivalently qualified graduates joining the company without having had to pay for a degree. Also gain very good work experience that truly sets you up for a 'full time' role.

Give it your best effort! For the application process, ensure that you complete it thoughtfully and don't panic if you don't complete the challenges and that's not the aim of them. The assessment days, whilst relatively formal, are in a relaxed environment - be yourself and be professional. During the on boarding process you won't hear a great deal of information - don't worry that's normal.