NDT Engineer Review

NDT Engineer - Gaining experience in many methods of non destructive testing and studying to pass level 2 and level 3 qualifications in certain methods. I also undertake an NDT degree part time as part of the apprenticeship, with distance learning in my own time making up a lot of the work that is required.

I have undertaken many training courses since starting, from business improvement techniques and HS&E related skills, to engineering skills such as machining, welding and electronics.

I really enjoy my program as it is very hands on and has a lot of practical learning, while at the same time having a good amount of theoretical knowledge and studying to enable us to pass all the appropriate courses and exams. I have found that the balance between practical learning and studying is perfect for me to best understand the things we are learning.

I feel like Rolls-Royce cares about all their employees equally, providing as much support as they can should anybody need it. I have also been made to feel very welcome on all my placements so far and have been involved fully by senior staff members from the beginning. I have also received plenty of advice and help whenever I have needed to ask for it

My program is very organised and well structured. From the very beginning, it has been clearly laid out to me how the program is going to run, and the requirements at each stage of the apprenticeship. I am always updated approprately if any changes are made to the planning or organisation and have enough support available should I struggle to understand or meet the requirements for any reason. The team hierarchy/organisation structure is clear and it is easy to understand who to go to for different needs or requests.

I revieve plenty of support from my training provider when I need it, the support is always efficient and sufficient, as to reduce the risk of confusion or misunderstanding as well as to not waste time that could be spent studying or practicing.

The support I recieve from my employer is much the same as the support I recieve from my training provider. Mostly, training providers are contracted by rolls royce, meaning that there is an almost seamless link between the training providers and the employer. This is good because it reduces the chance of misunderstandings or lack of communication as everyone is working alongside eachother, and makes it much easier for apprentices to organise their learning and training and enables them to achieve more

Personally, I do not have very high living costs as being based near my hometown means I can keep living at home for longer. However my colleagues that have moved out find that the salary is high enough to support their living costs and social costs when house-sharing with other apprentices. While on placements, if the location is a considerable distance away, an expense claim can be made and mileage paid for, and when studying in a different location all travel expenses are paid for, meaning that costs are kept very low for apprentices and the salary is extremely competetive compared to similar roles/apprenticeships at other companies.

I am part of the companies Apprentice Accosiation, which hosts many social events and competitions for a very cheap price. Activities such as go-karting and paintballing are often hosted, as well as many events such as a Christmas ball and easter party etc. The company also has many social clubs that people can join for a wide variety of hobbies and interests. They also have low price gym facilities and sports/leisure center that are available to all employees

Yes

I believe that Rolls-Royce offer extremely good apprenticeships with lots of opportunities to go far in the company in the future and gain great qualifications. The salary is very competitive compared to most other apprenticeships. The company invests a lot of time and money into their apprentices meaning that the facilities and training for apprentices are second to none. There is also a lot of support available, not only in regards to learning and training but also for many issues that may be encountered both in and out of work, whether they may be personal or not.

The application process is mainly completed online, with some aptitude and competency tests that you get plenty of opporunity to practice for. The application process is made fairly simple and easy to understand. If you are successful in the online application, you will be invited to an assessment day that will be made up of interviews, tests and group activities. My advice would be to research as much as you can about the company and about the business area you are applying for, but also dont forget to include your personal achievements and interests. The assessment day can be fun and interesting, as long as you feel relaxed and confident about them.