Manufacturing Engineer Apprentice Review

I am currently a first year apprentice for Rolls-Royce Inchinnan site. I am in Glasgow clyde college 5 days a week working through NC & SVQ level 2 units for manufacturing engineering. I work alongside 14 other apprentices and we support each other when required. My apprentice leader is also available for any help and advice when required. My responsibilities include keeping on top of my coursework and maintaining my engineering knowledge. Our apprentice group are currently doing a project in the college consisting of firing a water bottle rocket as high as possible whilst protecting an egg.

I have learned many new skills and already gained a handful of new qualifications including NC Engineering Materials, Communications and Material Removal Principles. I have also received training in Health and Safety for our site at Inchinnan, Personal Financial Capability and Global Corporate Orientation. I have increased my organisational abilities and communications skills since I started the apprenticeship in August of last year.

I very much enjoy my apprenticeship programme. I love going to work every day and learning new things, I really can't praise this opportunity high enough. My apprentice group are all very close friends and have supported each other since we started the programme in August of last year. It has exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait to see what the future brings me with this opportunity.

I feel extremely valued by Rolls-Royce. They are very engaging with their employees from their Outward Bound trips to the Santa's workshop day over the festive period at the factory. My apprentice leader is always available for help and advice. I have also been given the opportunity to become a STEM ambassador which will allow me to increase my skills in engineering and gain valuable experience.

My programme is very well organised and well structured. We are given a clear schedule as to what is expected of us and what we are going to do. We have also been given a schedule over 2 years after we finish college in June of this year. This gives us a better idea of where and when we will be working in the factory as well as the skills we will gain through the programme.

I receive great support from my training provider. My lecturer's/tutor's are always available for help and advice should I need it and are always supportive. They are always on hand to guide me with a particular task or project and allow me to fully understand what is expected of me on the apprenticeship course. I have a very good relationship with my training providers.

My employer is extremely supportive and has been since I started the programme in August last year. My apprentice leader is always on hand to offer advice and support whenever I need it. There are many other lines of support through my employer for specific problems/queries. This includes HR and the Rolls-Royce ethics line.

My salary meet my costs although I do struggle every month - mainly because I have taken over a 50% wage cut from my previous job. I know my wage will increase every year on the apprenticeship.

There are a lot of opportunities outside of work such as charity events, social clubs and the STEM programme.

Yes

They are a great employer who are very engaging and supportive. A world famous brand with very interesting and valuable work ethics. Once qualified, the salary for an engineer is very desirable which cannot be matched with a lot of other companies in this industry. They provide excellent training and opportunities to further your career.

Be yourself and most of all, be confident. Gain as much experience as you can in engineering courses/projects before applying. If you are unfortunate and do not get through, keep applying. If this is what you want to do, Rolls-Royce will see your commitment and determination if you keep applying.