Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

During first year training, all apprentices work on a level 2 BTEC to gain technical skills, this must be completed whilst completing university work however there is more than enough time to do this comfortably. Engineering instructors are extremely knowledgeable in their profession and the company as a whole. Development leaders help with organisation of your time and any questions or queries you may have. The apprenticeship program tries to tailor to your individual needs, for example if you’re progressing faster than others they will try to find other opportunities for you which may be more challenging, and if you are struggling with a section they will try and get you a mentor to help with any issues. Overall the apprenticeship program is very good, and the support that you receive is fantastic. I am not personally a fan of the university experience despite the companies best efforts to ensure challenging experiences whilst studying there. During the current climate I fear there will be fewer opportunities on offer to move around and try new sectors and locations although I presume this will be similar for many other companies. Overall 7.5/10 so far.

The most valuable of skills learnt are not necessarily engineering related. The most important of these are my own confidence built through team work. And communication and networking built through day to day working (answering emails, meetings, presentations etc.). From an engineering standpoint you learn broad concepts which are later tailored to your specific role. Such as CAD,CNC milling, welding, electronics, drawing. From the opportunity of work in different sectors I have now realised that a slightly different path down a more business focused route might be better for myself in the future.

The opportunity to work for a fantastic large company doesn’t come up very often, being paid with no debt will always be a no brainer to me. Although the pay is lower than a lot of other apprenticeships, there is scope to move sectors and be more flexible due to the size of the company. The people are lovely, knowledgeable and want you to be the best you can. They will always try their best to Make you feel good. Due to the amount of apprentices, I find that the pace of work can often be a bit slow to ensure that it is tailored for all and work at times can be overly simplistic. Overall I have had a positive experience and would recommend to everyone especially instead of the university route.

The programme follows a rigorous structure due to examining bodies, this is true in the first and third year of the apprenticeship where btec units must be completed. University students will either be on block or day release which will structure their education time for them. Assignments have deadlines, these must be followed due to working in a business environment. Uni work occasionally has to be completed at home however extra time is always found in work.

More than enough, any concerns there is always a senior who can help. For example if you were to struggle with a module and university, your line manager could organise a 1 to 1 with someone else in the company who has either taken that module previously or works in that field. There are dedicated mental health leaders in each building and a phone number to call if there is any personal issues. You can stay anonymous through our if you wish to.

For any work related qualifications e.g the btecs which need to be completed with on the job training there is more than enough support as everyone is on your side wanting you to pass. On the university side, the company can help you with knowledge and help raise any concerns. How well the concerns are dealt with however is down to the university it’s self who are often provide a quick fix with no meaningful action taken. Feedback from universities is poor however in depth analysis from work related studies are fantastic in your performance reviews.

My technical report writing has improved due to the amount of university assignments. I feel as if what I learn at university is too broad and not in depth enough (this may change in later years). At points it can be slightly demeaning and irrelevant. This is often too true when having 2 weeks worth of lectures not relating to the assignments in anyway let alone your job role. However it is nice to sample different modules to see what you may be interested in Pershing further.

Extra curricular activities are plentiful, the Rolls-Royce leisure association offers a host of activities from sport to social meets. You can also join university teams and socials however this can be difficult depending on work to uni scheduling. The AGA( apprentice and graduate association) put on a host of activities throughout the year. Just like universities( e.g Christmas ball, boat parties) You are strongly encouraged to join institutions such as the youth nuclear network and institute for mechanical engineers.

Yes

It’s a great company to work for and has lots of opportunities to find what’s best for you or more importantly in my opinion what’s not right for you. Everyone is nice and friends can be made easily. It is a very social company with scope to expand in the future. Skills and first hand knowledge can be easily absorbed from work around top class professionals improving your own skills and traits.

Be yourself. Confident/shy, street smart/book smart the company is built from a wealth of knowledge from all backgrounds there is no one person who fits a job title. Understand that you will be working in teams, be tolerant of others and understand that your idea is not always best. Strong work ethic is a must, remember that cutting corners could cost lives in this profession and could harm your future. Keep an open mind there is always opportunities where you least expect them.