Fitting Apprentice Review

My role is to strip down and rebuild Rolls-Royce jet engines in the overhaul facility where the engine is stripped down into modules, sent to the relevant bays for inspection and repair, and reassembled once inspection is complete. I do this to gain knowledge and evidence for my NVQ so that when I complete my time, I’m a skilled and qualified engine fitter.

I used to work in a mechanic role before I started my apprenticeship, therefore I had a basic understanding of mechanical principles with motorbikes and cars. Since starting my role, I have completely rethought my working process tailored for jet engines and the increased intricacy due to the complicated designs and constructions.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship, i feel like a valued member of the team and the level of involvement with me by the fitters is a lot more than I thought and it makes me thoroughly enjoy the job. Learning a new propulsion system was exciting for me, especially a complicated system such as a jet engine.

There is multiple stages of support in Rolls-Royce for apprentices, we have regular reviews with our managers where we have work load screen which projects our next 3 years of placements, including college and where we will be located. Rolls-Royce have been doing apprenticeships for years, my dad started off at Rolls-Royce 40 years ago as an apprentice and the programme has just developed into a supportive scheme.

There is multiple layers of support at Rolls-Royce. We have mental health and safety champions we can talk to, who we are directed to by our mangers if we feel we need them. High up managers are approachable and this is a useful tool to have as most of them followed the same route as us, and can offer great insight into there career path.

Rolls-Royce provide the training in their own engine facilities, working on real customer engines so we have all the support in which the business has if we need it. The college comes on site instead of us going to them and they are based here, so we have regular access with them incase we need additional support.

The training were provided is directly linked to our NVQ and what we will do when we come out of our time so it’s the best they can do which helps us perform our role as an engine fitter precise, meaning that everything we learn is directly applicable to the role.

There are various internal networks within the company. We have heritage schemes where you can learn more on the history of the company. Sports teams such as football and rugby are also available and there is an apprentice and graduate association where they regularly meet up for social events.

Yes

The facilities here are supportive and the role is very interesting and I love coming to work. Most of my family work here and a lot of my friends have already joined the company doing apprenticeships.

Do a lot of research into the company on the need and it’s history, this gives a nether insight into what you’ll get asked in interviews and shows a great desire to work for the company.