Material Laboratories Apprentice Review

My role varies greatly as I undertake 4 month rotational placements. Work I have done covers- Engineering analysis of equipment and product. Improvement tasks to cut down on manufacture time and cost such as Kaizen events. Supporting manufacturing processes in completing work in the most effective and efficient manner possible. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and outreach, we are really proactive and get involved in a huge range of STEM actives. University work; this is good as the course is designed for the program and is therefore quite relevant to work I am completing.

I have developed my confidence and leadership more than I ever thought I would. The experiences I have been presented with have involved talking to CEO's, presenting on front of large numbers of people and running large scale projects. I have also expanded my technical knowledge, the variety of the placements I undertake has really helped with this.

I have loved being part of the apprenticeship program, not just for the technical knowledge gained but the supporting activities and amazing people I have got to know through it. When starting most apprentices undertake work for a few weeks to a few months in the apprentice academy, this is an amazing opportunity to interact with apprentices from across all sites and is a brilliant start. Now that I am out in the business I am challenged and given responsibility for projects and work, but also given support when needed by colleagues and managers.

The placement side of the program is extremely well run and I enjoy it greatly. University is similarly well run and the work is relevant to the jobs I am completing. The NVQ level 2 was well run and interesting, however the NVQ level 4 can be difficult to interpret and the off the job training took a while to get my head round.

The support I receive is excellent, my ADL (Apprentice development leader) is understanding and supportive with any issues I may have and pushes me to be at my best and work at a high level. This is done through regular performance reviews to see how I am doing on placement and at university, she has also put me forward for awards when it is felt that my work reflects such. Also the line mangers I have had has been understanding out by off the job and willing to work with and support me when required.

Support is available and we have lectures one day a week, most of the professors are available to be contacted and have been supportive. There has however been occasions where I have found it difficult and struggled to get support and sessions before exams are usually run at times that I would rather not take off e.g. 10.30 on a Wednesday.

The university course is designed to fit with the work as best as it can. However its relevance is determined by which placement you are doing at the time. There have been a few modules that I have found less relevant due to the subject matter however the principles themselves are applicable to what I am or will be doing in the future.

There are an amazing amount of opportunities available for extra curricular. Derby university has a large amount of societies and facilities that attending apprentices are welcome to use and join. Rolls-Royce itself has a leisure centre with gym, workout classes, yoga, steam rooms. Additionally there are outdoor playing fields and clubs for Tennis, badminton, football, rugby and cricket. There is also the Welfare which does food, has a bar and hosts activities such as dancing, karaoke or conferences. For apprentices and graduates looking for other opportunities there is the AGA (Apprentice graduate association) which runs a huge variety of activities from charity work, to rock climbing, go-karting and escape rooms.

Yes

I can honestly say that applying to a Rolls-Royce apprenticeship scheme was one of the best decisions of my life. I am working with exceptional people from all walks of life all striving to do their best and the collaboration when working on projects is amazing. The experience has been indescribable, and I have loved every second of it, but its the people I have met and the friendships made that make it unforgettable.

If you are thinking about it, go for it! I would recommend having a look at the different schemes as we have a large variety available have a read about them, if you can attend an event and speak to some apprentices, or contact the team if you have other questions!