Apprentice Mechatronic Engineer Review

Entering the LDC and either completing an in house college course with Derby college or completing the practical element with the Tutors in the LDC workshops. This could include the Learning and applied theory of electrical workshops or soldering and PLC completion. It could be the learning of Health and Safety measures throughout the business or extensive learning about Three Phase motors. Fitting could entail anything from filing a workpiece down to millimetre perfection or learning how to use pillar drills in ways which I hadn't previously.

I have learnt new skills regarding electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as furthering mathematics skills at college. Learning about fitting and the precise creation of parts and the advanced level of skill that goes into completing such parts in a precise manner by hand. Whilst temporary hold has been placed on the practical element work still continues on the theory element at home with Knowledge questions and continuation of the Derby College examinations and learning.

The enjoyment aspect of the apprenticeship comes more from the completion of challenges than anything else. For example in hand fitting whilst it may be frustrating initially to have a couple of attempted workpieces thrown away it makes the final completion of a piece all the better as a result. To that end the theory aspect provides not so much enjoyment in a traditional sense but a certain amount of fun is to be had gaining advance knowledge of a subject you hold deep interest in.

The organisational abilities of Rolls- Royce are not to be understated. Even in times such as this with the lock down crippling some companies Rolls- Royce has found constant and fair ways to advance learning without the tasks becoming repeated or seemingly not worth it. Even if the LDC itself isn't open to visitation or entry the work completed can be easily uploaded to show completion making the company laptops provided to every apprentice all the more useful as full internet access can be gained to make research for said tasks much easier.

Support from the employer is constant. When working for RR a real sense of care for apprentices is gathered as assistance is offered at every turn to make every piece of learning as understandable and ascertainable as possible. Encouragement is given regarding peer groups actively helping each other as well as knowledgeable instructors who can troubleshoot and most importantly explain any problems you could encounter. This is important as whilst practical support is given, helplines and monthly reviews ensure that an apprentice is never left in the dark as to the status and progress of their apprenticeship as a whole.

When working with Derby college to achieve qualifications, progress reviews are held after every major assessment in order to track the progress of the qualifications and possible areas for improvement. If any issue is to be found with the training provider in any way, Rolls- Royce provide a constant line of communication with the college in order to voice your concerns and ultimately complete the qualifications in as smooth a manner as is possible, whilst improving the experience for both the individual and the program as a whole.

When in my role the qualifications gained at Derby college will prove to be invaluable. When in the role the necessity to understand three phase motors and the mathematics adjacent to their selection and operation will be of great use within my role. Understanding of engineering drawings and how they are constructed and read will come as a great service within my role with regards to how a given machine is constructed and how replacement parts may be constructed.

Personally the extra curricular activities in Rolls- Royce became a great networking point as I had moved to Derby for the apprenticeship and as such was unfamiliar with the city and had no real points of contact within the city. Rolls- Royce provide many social clubs and sports clubs but I chose the Rugby club which turned out to be an inspired choice. The club itself is run and full of the most hospitable people only too happy to show you around the city either with the team or on a tour to another club.

Yes

Because of the quality of the apprenticeship and the vast skill set learned and built upon within the apprenticeship thusfar and the further training that is available within the business. The range of social activities that further networking as well as team building that is heavily emphasized within the apprenticeship. A good pay rate and challenging but fair activities would make it a brilliant decision for anyone wishing to further current skills or build skills in a field that they may have interest in but seems initially impregnable.

The application process is very straightforward online and the day spent with multiple interviews and explanations of the possible routes in the apprenticeship makes it worthwhile even if your not sure if this is the path for you. the wait for acceptance or denial can be a little long but the reward vastly outweighs the wait. The initial induction thereafter is thorough but understandable, a bit more clarity on the final job position after the apprenticeship would have been appreciated