Mechanical Engineer Review

In the first year of my apprenticeship I spent all my time learning practical skills in the apprentice training workshop. Here, I completed a level 2 NVQ in performing engineering operations. The engineering processes I gained an appreciation of were welding, fitting, milling, turning, electrical and electronics amongst others. The remaining time on the apprenticeship is spent doing work experience type placements in different areas of the business.

In the first year of my apprenticeship I spent all my time learning practical skills in the apprentice training workshop. Here, I completed a level 2 NVQ in performing engineering operations. The engineering processes I gained an appreciation of were welding, fitting, milling, turning, electrical and electronics amongst others. In the placements I completed during the remainder of my apprenticeship gave me a wide overview of a lot of different aspects of how the company operates.

The apprenticeship is very enjoyable. The length of time spent in each area is short enough that it always feels like you are learning something new. Each year there is a large intake of apprentices into the company which makes the apprenticeship a very social programme to be on. Many apprentices end up living in shared accommodation together once they get to know each other.

Apprentices are very valuable to Rolls-Royce. As you move around the business you meeting lots of engineers who began their careers as apprentices and they are very accommodating and understanding of the support apprentices need while learning. Rolls-Royce offer their apprentices a competitive salary as well as other benefits such as access to a pension, access to buying shares and yearly performance based bonuses.

In the first year of the apprenticeship when the training is completed in a workshop, the apprentices are split into groups and rotate around different activities; this is usually around every 4 weeks. During this time the apprentices also have to attend university once a week. The remainder of the apprenticeship is organised as you go along during the meetings held every 10 weeks with your line manager

While in the workshops there are skilled trainers with you at all times to provide any support needed. Once a week the apprentices are instructed to hold a meeting with a group of their peers to discuss any issues or difficulties they are having, this creates a good support group. During the remainder of the apprenticeship the support mainly comes from people working in the areas you have a placement in. Generally people are very welcoming and helpful as a lot of the engineers were apprentices once too.

Throughout the apprenticeship meetings are scheduled with your line manager where your progress can be discussed and any concerns can be raised. These usually consist of your line manager recording any training courses which have been completed in the past 10 weeks and advising you if there are any courses which you need to attend before the next meeting. It is also where your progress through the NVQ is monitored

Rolls-Royce offer the apprentices a very competitive salary. Apprentices usually start on around twelve thousand pounds a year. At set intervals reviews take place to discuss the possibility of receiving performance related increases to pay. In addition to this, Rolls-Royce offer to reimburse travel costs to university with is attended one day per week.

The company owns a group called Roll-Royce leisure which organise lots of sports clubs including football and rugby teams. They also run a gym which is available for use by employees at a discounted rate. The apprentices also have access to the Aga or Apprentices and graduate association which organise lots of social events including annual ski trip, go karting and paintball trips.

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as above

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