Maintenance Engineer Apprentice Review

I am a Mechatronic Maintenance Engineering Apprentice, meaning that my job consists of both Electrical and Mechanical tasks. On a day to day basis, I can be involved in a range of Maintenance tasks, including planned maintenance and reactive maintenance jobs. This means that each day is different and I never know what work I will be doing when I walk into work in the morning. Because the work varies so much, I have to rely on my knowledge of fundamental Electrical and Mechanical principles, and always be ready to learn new skills in order to get the job done.

In the first year of my apprenticeship, I learnt a variety of new skills that can be applied to my job as a Maintenance Engineer. These new skills and disciplines were taught in practical workshops within the Training School - using real tools, equipment and machines that we will be expected to use in the workplace. As well as how to work safely, I have received training in bench fitting, aero-fitting and electrical / electronics assembly, testing and fault finding. All of these skills are put to use during a standard working week.

I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of my Apprenticeship program. All of the skills that I have learnt so far in my training have developed my competence and experience as a mechanical fitter and electrician, and these skills can be used both inside work and outside work. I particularly enjoy using skills that I have learnt at work whilst working on my car and carrying out work around the house - as I know that I wouldn't have been able to do some tasks without the training from my Apprenticeship.

Overall, the structure of my Apprenticeship has been well organised, and I can feel my skills and knowledge developing over time, as I progress through my different units and criteria. I am a part of the first group to complete the Maintenance Apprenticeship, and I think that all of the training that has been provided to us is setting us up to be competent and capable Maintenance Engineers in the future. The content delivered in the the business is supported by the education provided by the Collage, which results in a well rounded knowledge pool that I can draw from when completing Maintenance tasks.

I receive great support from my employer in all aspects of my Apprenticeship. At the start of my Apprenticeship, I was assigned an ADL (Apprentice Development Leader), who has supported me through my Apprenticeship so far. I have a review with my ADL every eight weeks, where we discuss my progress, any issues and any extra training opportunities that are available to me. The support from the workers on the shop floor has also been exceptional, as everyone is happy to help you progress through your apprenticeship, and support you in your learning.

Rolls-Royce provides me with maximum support when completing my Qualification. There are dedicated weeks within the working year set aside for completing NVQ work, which takes the stress away from meeting deadlines. Being able to complete NVQ work whilst at work also means that I take less work home, and I am able to ask any questions to my Assessor if I am unsure of anything. We are assigned dedicated Assessors, who are supportive and happy to help.

I think that the Qualification that I am completing ties in well with the work associated with being a Maintenance engineer. The different units within the Qualification Criteria reflect the variety of tasks that I required to carry out as part of my role. Each core competency and skill can be found in a different unit, which ensures that I have a range of skills and experience on different tasks, making me a more versatile and rounded Maintenance Engineer.

There are many Extra-Curricular activates to get involved with during my apprenticeship. Whilst most of these are optional, there are two mandatory Extra-Curricular activates that must be completed as a part of the Apprenticeship. These include a STEM Project that is ran by the Apprentices and a School Project that is also ran and delivered by the Apprentices. There are also several open evenings and promotional events that you can get involved in, and these give you the opportunity to meet others in the business, as well as in the greater community.

Yes

Rolls-Royce is one of the best companies to work for in the Derby area. They provide the best jobs, with the most rewarding benefits and desirable pay. The training that they provide is world renowned, and the weight of Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship under your belt cannot be understated. There are many opportunities to progress within Rolls-Royce ans an apprenticeship is the best way to get a good start in the Company, as they provide you with all of the skills that you require for a rewarding career when you come out of your time.

I would say that if you want to apply for a position within Rolls-Royce, you need to be passionate about engineering. You need to be interested in the producers that the Company creates, and amazed at the advanced technology used within the manufacturing and development departments of the Business. You need to be hard-working and practically minded. You need to be able to learn new skills and apply existing skills to your work to be the best that you can be.