Technical support technician Review

As an apprentice, we have time to explore the business and network, networking is an important tool to make yourself known and to get to know others that you work with. My role usually depends what is required of me, sometimes I am asked to cover someone or to lend a hand to a team in an area within my department, the tasks either offer something new to learn or allow your superiors to see what skills you have learnt over the recent months. My role within Test & Finish requires me to help run the test stations by either helping or by running the processes myself, to deal with issues and report those I cannot resolve myself. Tools and equipment are required to be checked on a daily basis for their working condition and to make sure they are working with their tolerances. When pre-arranged I can explore other departments for a couple of months to experience the work they do, I then tend to learn some of the basic daily tasks they complete.

My networking skills have improved, I am now more comfortable when approaching people to ask them questions or to enquire about spending time with their team to develop my knowledge of other departments. My knowledge of the systems used in the plant to monitor, track and extract data is better, I can now find information using codes and filters. I have now experienced basic knowledge of complex problem solving methods and techniques and look forward to further improving them.

I enjoy the freedom of being able to explore the business, as an apprentice you are expected to widen your knowledge of how the entire plant works and runs as business. Most colleagues are more than happy to teach you something new or give advice and guidance. In busy times I find it a little difficult to get the guidance I need off of the managers in my area due to their busy days but most of the time you can arrange a time where you can both sit down and discuss queries and progression. The programme so far, in my opinion, does miss out some of the work you do at the plant and due to the vast topics the programme covers some of it isn't relevant to your job role, however this could be an advantage should you want to move to another area. As a whole, I am enjoying it, very much glad I am completing an Apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce due to the brand and how good it would look on your CV.

The first two years were a bit of a shambles due to the fact that our programme was a standard rather than a frame work type which was new to the college and Rolls-Royce. However, the level 3 covered more units and the topics we cover are chosen more by the employer meaning it's more favourable by the industry rather than the college. Our year 3, now more understood, is running much smoother, it is well organised and work now understand our type of programme. There is a lot of college work to cover, most of, if not all of it, based on the work you could encounter in various departments around the plant, this is why it is important to explore. The support is now great, now that the programme is more understood, there are regular meetings, catch ups and plenty of advice and guidance is available.

Support from my area within the plant hasn't been the best, they do try when they can but as from what I believe, I am the first apprentice in this particular area and none of the managers seem to be former apprentices. This means I feel I have a disadvantage over some other apprentices in my year who have managers that been through an apprenticeship programme before. Outside of my department, I have been in contact with the managers who were apprentices and are more than happy to support, other trainers and supporters are also there to help. Support is easily available most of the time when requested from delegated mentors and managers.

My training provider, who now understands the new type of programme more, provides very good support, advice and guidance. I feel I have a course leader who will help in any way, shape or form which makes them very approachable. The course leader is usually easily available and is always happy to help. The support is usually of good quality but as I said, due to the type of programme it is, it wasn't great to start with but a lot has improved.

The qualification I am working towards covers a lot of units, it more or less covers every area within the plant, it is do-able but would take a long time to experience every area. In my area in particular, a small amount of my qualification has helped, although most of it is computerised and requires you to follow instructions and extract information, it's not mentally challenging but is very practical. Some of the CAD I have learnt at college help me build a jig whilst working in the engineering department, the health and safety covered in the qualification has made think differently about the work place and the safety of it, it has made me more conscious about the importance of a safe working environment. I have learnt a lot about manufacturing and engineering subjects through my qualification so far, it has all helped to some degree, some of it more than others.

Rolls-Royce is quite a unique place to work as it is closely linked with the motor circuit, horse racing circuit, Festival of speed and the hotel. Each of these locations offer unique discounts and events which we, employees of Rolls-Royce can enjoy every year. The company itself hosts a couple of events each year such as the Christmas market and the summer fayre, both of which are usually quite popular. Some employees set up events such as go-karting or a charity event which anyone can join in. There is also plenty of opportunity to volunteer for overtime as well.

Yes

BMW is one of the top engineering/manufacturing employers out there, with lots of opportunity to develop yourself, if you show the enthusiasm to. Being one of the top premium brands of car manufacturers, we get to the see the innovations being implemented into our Rolls-Royces when they are developed and tested at our plant in Chichester, it's fascinating to see. BMW have a tried, tested and very successful apprenticeship scheme which anyone interested in the automotive industry should definitely try and get on to.

Network, it is so important to get yourself out there and known. Aim high, try and mix with people who inspire and encourage you. Show enthusiasm, passion and the willingness to grow and become a better you. They only want the best working for them, show them why that is you, show yourself off and what you are capable of. Take every opportunity, if you don't ask, you won't get, be persistent when you want to achieve something.