Advanced practical apprentice Review

I am a practical apprentice training in a fitting role. Now that I am in the 2nd year of my apprenticeship I am involved with production work making sure that components are fit for purpose/meet specification. I am also responsible for managing stock levels for key equipment used on the job.

I have gained a wide range of experience in a variety of production techniques, and every week I am trying/learning new skills.

The distribution of work and the methods for teaching when it comes to college work for the B-tec qualification are not all that good. There seems to be a big focus from some of the teachers on making sure criteria is covered but not delivering information in a way that enables apprentices to understand and utilise the information being given. For example issuing hand outs with information on that will require prior knowledge in order to be understood but not following this up with explanations or any line of questioning to clarify understanding. Also when I have asked for extra help and support with certain subjects minimal or sometimes no time has been dedicated to helping and again I frequently find myself with no better understanding due to the method of teaching.

I receive good feedback from my managers and development targets to work towards meaning that I am continuously developing my skills. Additionally I have been given the chance on numerous occasions to get involved with exciting opportunities to help my career development.

The 1st year of the programme seemed much more structured and organised; however, the 2nd year seems to be a lot more self managed. This is good in the sense it enables responsibility but not so good when you don't really have enough knowledge and experience to be able to manage your own development i.e. you don't know what jobs are more important that others or what exactly you need to do in order to meet certain criteria for your qualifications. In other words there seems to be a bit of guess work rather than straight forward and clear guidance.

I receive plenty of support from my manager regarding my NVQ qualification work but not as much support with the B-tec qualification.

Yes, my manager frequently advises me on career development opportunities and there is a big drive to support STEM events should you wish to.

Yes

I would probably recommend it as you get paid to learn and gain qualifications and Rolls-Royce has a very good reputation but there are a lot of improvements that could be made to make it better.

If you don't succeed at first keep trying as I did. Also try to plan ahead as much as possible to set targets of what you want to achieve by when and how you are going to do it.