Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Rotating around different placements in civil aerospace to gain a better understanding and appreciation of different roles in engineering.

I have learnt many new skills and developed lots of existing skills. At University I have developed on knowledge learnt at A Level and also learnt new skills. On my placements I have learnt new skills in each placement area to complete the tasks set and developed on my skills such as communication.

I enjoy the programme a lot. There is lots of variation from the different placements and the training provided by Rolls-Royce is always useful and interesting.

The programme is very organised and structured. We were told in Year 1 the skeleton of the apprenticeship and this has not changed. Rolls-Royce have listened to feedback from previous years and acted on it.

Support is provided in many ways. There are lots of key contacts; line managers, ADLs, mentors, the university team, who can all be contacted for support as well as providing multiple catch up sessions. There is also a 24 hour ethics line which is provided by work.

The University of Derby provide lots of support towards exams and assignments. Tutorial sessions are provided and additional help sessions, however these are sometimes run whilst we are at work and cannot attend.

The Degree I am working towards at the University Degree helps me to understand the theory in some of the work whilst on placement. Different modules contribute more to performing better in the role, such as Thermofluids and Aerospace Modules.

There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work! There is a Leisure Centre which provides lots of different activities. I am currently in the Rolls-Royce Brass Band and I regularly attend lectures with the RAeS.

Yes

The Apprenticeship has been really enjoyable. The training provided by Rolls-Royce is great and the placements are the best way to learn additional knowledge to the degree.

The courses at Rolls-Royce are very competitive. I would recommend trying to get work experience before hand to experience engineering to ensure that engineering is what you would like to do! I would also read up on what Rolls-Royce manufacture as most people still believe we make cars!