Civil Functions Aerospace Engineer Review

I am in my first year of the degree apprenticeship so one week at university doing a mechanical and electrical engineering degree and the alternate week at the Rolls Royce Apprentice academy learning about various manufacturing methods and design skills which go towards an NVQ level 2.

I have learned a myriad of different skills such as machining, welding, electrical wiring and business management which I had never had an opportunity to learn while in secondary school and I would likely not have learned through a standard university course.

While learning new skills can be challenging, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the work load has not been too great so far. The hands-on learning is engaging and fun so I enjoy coming into work each day. I feel that if I wasn't doing the apprenticeship I would be bored and less disciplined. I have plenty of time to take part in university societies such as medieval re-enactment.

There are sometimes issues due to the challenge of organizing between work and university administration which is understandable. However for the most part the program has been organised perfectly and has flowed well. Even with the COVID-19 lockdown, the course has been moving forward as much as possible over the internet.

I have meetings with my line manager every 2 months in which they check how I have been faring so they can see if I am having any difficulties. However support is available at any time due to having contact with support systems within Rolls-Royce.

When my group was having difficulty with a university assignment, the employer organised a help group with some of the older apprentices. The employer also offers support if we have an issue with a lecturer, whereas it would be harder to bring up issues without a line manager and group to discuss issues with.

The knowledge and skills I have learned at university and the apprenticeship are very transferable between each other. Such as doing a course on electronics and soldering circuits at work while I was doing a University module on electrical and electronics theory. Or doing a course or manufacturing methods while doing a course on machining and welding. The theory and practical experience thogether re-enforce learning in a unique way.

There is an apprentice association at Rolls-Royce which has organised some great events such as paint balling, bowling, a boat party and a pub crawl. There is also a Rugby team which has a good social community. Also as it is a degree apprenticeship I also have the ability to take part in university events and societies.

Yes

Rolls-Royce is a really interesting and inspiring place to work because of the sheer scale and complexity of the operation. Degree Apprenticeships are a great opportunity as you get to attend university while not only not getting into debt, but also being paid to attend. The quality of the education is also better since Rolls-Royce has fantastic facilities for practical learning in the workshops.

It is important to have extra-curricular achievements and projects as that shows dedication and passion, which is a sign you will take advantage of the opportunity. Volunteering for STEM based activities was useful but I also made a project of a laser pointer turret that can be controlled with a computer mouse that I found a guide for online. Also research the company and the manufacturing process, this shows interest.