Fitter Review

The job is split into 2 main areas. - Modules which relates to the building up of the core areas such as turbines, compressors and combustion chambers. - Fancase which relates to the assembling of components to the outer areas of the fan case. Generally the job involves positioning, measuring and assembling of parts together, essentially like adult Lego, using an array of specific tooling. A cross referencing of drawings, computer aided software and knowledge is needed to correctly fit comportment together. Each job should be noted as it can help with the progression of the apprenticeship and also help with personal development.

I have learnt a great deal during my apprenticeship. I have a deeper understanding of tolerances which before this apprenticeship was limited to millimetres however now is expanded to microns. I know understand that in order to work with tolerances fit components the parts are exposed to either extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) or heat (in an oven) which alters the sizing (although you may not see it in the naked eye). I understand better about safety such as PPE, risk assessments and hazards. The work place is potentially dangerous however following the rules stated in the relevant documentation and being alert will ensure safe working. I have learnt to be completely independent. Communication skills, research skills and confidence is asking/seeking help has greatly been developed during this experience. I have been able to try something different. When I first began this journey I had never even changed a tyre on my car however this apprenticeship has allowed me to have the confidence to try things myself.

In regards to enjoying the programme I have to give 2 conflicting answers. Positive- I have learned a great deal and grown both in my career and confidence in my character throughout this apprenticeship. I have developed new skills and met some interesting people along the way. Negative- communication and support between apprentices and a lot of management and apprentice- programme related people is poor. Unless you are completed independent, super motivated and driven to go beyond normal learning this apprenticeship is difficult. Management are either fairly new or do not fully understand newly implemented programs which mean you can waste a lot of time working towards things that are irreverent to your programme. Half way through my first year of the apprenticeship we changed the format of our actual work towards the qualifications. Instead of paper based we began using a program called Valid8. The program itself has potential however it has not been delivered to us in a useful way leaving apprentices to work it out by themselves. As the communication is poor it requires you to venture out by yourself to find the information you need. It does develop essential life skills but should not be enforced on apprentices especially those coming straight from school.

Organisation is not this apprenticeships strong point. The college side is good. Set days/weeks depending on whether you are block release (for the first couple of years) then day release (the final year). For the most part assignments are delivered with set timescales and relatively decent feedback times. Work related is different. When you are given your training plan you are required to introduce yourselves to the production leaders 2 weeks prior to starting a section. This means you could meet with a manager that you will never see again as the shift works mostly on a 3 week rota. Most of the time the PLs do not have the time to give you guidance. Inductions are supposed to be given to all new people however out of 10 areas I have had 2 so far. Some people you work with do not understand the apprenticeship and struggle to give guidance (however most go out of their way to try). The communication between your manager and the section managers is very poor meaning you are left on your own to solve problems and progress.

Support is not as good as it should be but this is due to the fact that the working sections and the apprenticeship team are in different areas and do not have the time to discuss the progression of each individual apprenticeship. Questions regarding how to hit criteria are usually left unanswered or are mixed responses as it feels like it is subjective. Problems with lack of assessors and assessor who actually care about apprentices means that you are regularly left on your own. Also, during our second year of the apprenticeship an interview was implemented to the end of the programme however even a year and a half later I am still waiting for information regarding this.

I think that support from the training provided is more positive however there have been. There have been a number of lecturers who have left mid year meaning lost work or resubmission of work and also some newer lecturers have been unsuitable for the job. However the lecturers that have remained are brilliant. They are supportive and understanding and mostly are good at contextualising topics to our work. College management are less supportive. They do not have any interaction with you and are less interested in helping than the lecturers.

I think the qualification is designed to developed you in areas beyond the job role which is good for future possibilities. My job will essentially require assembling components using predetermined values and tools specific to that task however learning further maths has given me a better understanding of why the values are there. Given a torque value of 55Nm doesn’t mean a great deal apart from a figure on a sheet however the college teaches you how that number is determined and why it is important to meet that value successfully. Some of the qualification is more advanced and sometimes not related, such as work on hydraulics which is not used in our role at all however if you can keep an open mind about it your potential career will not be refined to the exact role you will be working.

There are a number of activities that you can involve yourself with. There is a social type club that organised events throughout the year. This is a good place to meet new people and talk about anything other than work. There is a football club and a gym on site which you can involve yourself with. There are numerous events held at the learning development centre which you can be involved with such as meeting customers, visitors and various seminars. The apprenticeship also requires you to become a STEM ambassador which involves working with a team from different areas of the business. Great for networking.

Yes

I will only recommend this apprenticeship to a friend who I can help or to someone that either knows someone who has completed it previously or is an outgoing and confident person who is unafraid to be persistent In seeking information. I think the end result, a possible job in Rolls Royce, outweighs the problems of the apprenticeship. The money is very good compared to similar roles elsewhere and the chance to develop in an evolving job role is good enough to put up with the poor communication.

Be prepared to work a lot of hours on your own and be prepared to be place outside your comfort zone in order to meet people that will help with your progression. Be prepared to write... a lot! Although I’m on a practical apprenticeship everything requires writing either in the form of mandatory questions, job write ups, college assignments (some of which are 10,000 words). This is not explained prior to applying! Rolls Royce encourage a “be here now” attitude which I think is exactly what you need to successfully complete this apprenticeship. Turn up with the attitude that you will have to learn and develop yourself. Understand that work may not be interesting or related to your apprenticeship but can help you grow as a person. It will not always go as planned however be open to learning anything you can. Do not apply if you are lazy or follow others as you will find the real job extremely difficult.