Materials Laboratories Review

Materials Technologist. Conducting investigations and writing reports to explain conclusions on evidence. Conducting experiments and collecting data to then be analysed. Writing of technical reports which draw conclusions based on data collected. Leading the implementation of Kaizen activities within production environments. Creating micro specimens of materials and analysing them against agreed standards. Writing reports explaining conclusions and what they mean. Conducting experiments in a laboratory environment. Answering technical questions and providing scientific reasoning for colleagues around the business.

How to implement Kaizen projects. How to lead a team effectively. How to analyse material specimens. How to investigate failure of components and systems. How to conduct experimental investigations appropriately. How to analyse data. How to use excel and other Microsoft packages to make reading data useful. How to speak and make effective presentations. How to conduct business in an appropriate manner. How to manage projects effectively. How to manufacture products using turning, milling and fabrication methods.

I have enjoyed the programme and the content of it. The staff around the company have been very supportive and helpful in my job role. I have not enjoyed the management and leadership of the apprenticeship programmes. When completing additional courses and qualifications, no guidance is given and it is often not well organised. Apprenticeship management are not understanding of the requirements of OFSTED and End Point Assessments. We have often been told to complete trackers and log books after they should have been introduced 3 years prior.

I have enjoyed the programme and the content of it. The staff around the company have been very supportive and helpful in my job role. I have not enjoyed the management and leadership of the apprenticeship programmes. When completing additional courses and qualifications, no guidance is given and it is often not well organised. Apprenticeship management are not understanding of the requirements of OFSTED and End Point Assessments. We have often been told to complete trackers and log books after they should have been introduced 3 years prior.

Little support is given. Apprentice development managers do not develop apprentices. They spend more time doing admin than checking on our progress and ensuring that we are developing ourselves. The course is run more as a business than supporting and developing apprentices. Having said this, the company has previously spent money on further development programmes such as OUTWARD BOUND. These have recently been axed due to budget cuts and this is disappointing as I found they were very beneficial at developing communication and teamwork skills.

University of Derby - Good 7.5/10 - They provide feedback and are willing to support in further development. Lecturers provide support and are willing to give extra time to those who need it. Resources are of good quality. Rolls-Royce - Poor 1/10 - Assessors are unsure of how to assess and are not provided support from internal quality assessors. Apprentices are not provided good feedback and are rarely told how to develop further. Assessment system is ineffective and clumsy.

Degree - Excellent 10/10 - Well rounded course providing understandings in Materials Science, Engineering Design, Manufacturing, Ethics and Innovation, Business and Continued Professional Development. All of these skills have then been utilised in my job role. NVQ Level 2 - Good 7.5/10 - Has provided an understanding of manufacturing techniques which has them been useful in manufacturing environments. NVQ Level 4 - Acceptable 5/10 - Has provided an understanding of Project Management and engineering but does not provide an independent understanding of materials engineering.

Yes however I have not participated in them.

Yes

I recommend Rolls-Royce as an employer however the management of the apprenticeship is poor.

To research the company and its products thoroughly.