Apprentice Inspector Review

Using manual and CMM equipment to check the quality of parts dimensionally and visually. Checking various different parts to ensure they meet the specification. Working with different members of the team each day, learning off their years of experience. Checks include dimensional checks to drawings, visual checks for cleanliness and damage. Previously spent one day a week at college working on BTEC work such as completing assignments and learning new practical skills in the workshop

Lots of new skills learned. People skills such as better teamwork and communication. Developed interpersonal skills through working with many different types of people. Lots of practical skills learned such as sheet metal work, welding, fabrication, machining that can be transfered into other roles. Developed inspection skills enormously through working on the shop floor, enhancing skills such as visual inspection for damage and features, dimensional inspection using a huge range of equipment and checking parts for cleanliness.

I found the first year in the workshop a bit slow and tedious as I did have previous engineering experience in these things such as milling and turning however it was good to meet all the apprentices and get to know the people I would be working with. Going out into the business was the best point of the apprenticeship for me as I got to experience what the business was actually like and see all the products being made. I didn't chose my role but I feel like if I did I couldn't have chosen better as I love my job and want to do it for many many years

As Rolls-Royce have had many years of apprentices they are extremely organised and have a rigid scheme in place with a dedicated learning centre and team. There is a clear plan for the apprenticeship which is followed and we always have our own ADL who checks in on us and makes sure we are doing our best and getting the most out of the apprenticeship which is nice to have as you can raise any problems with them

We receive an incredible amount of support from Rolls-Royce all thr way throughout the apprenticeship. There is always people to talk to and go to with problems. Any problems are handled quickly and with professionalism. The way the company has dealt with the coronavirus situation has shown how they care about the apprenticeships and how they want to keep us all safe. We receive regular communications and our adl is always checking in on us to make sure we are okay

We have a new training provider for Rolls-Royce this year and my group have been not too impressed with them. We feel they are overwhelmed by the requirements of our programme. Not enough knowledgeable staff, not professional staff when working towards btec. This was raised with the company but there is little they can do when the contracts have been signed. Practical teaching good however. Would not recommend this provider to others and certainly wouldn't continue with them after the btec

Some parts of the btec are relevant to my role in a generwl engineering sense but most of the work is practical which I don't personally do at work. My job is quite niche though so I don't feel as if many qualifications would have direct links. The general engineering learning has been beneficial in terms of drawings, terminology etc but not too specific for my particular role. I know this isn't the case for others in my college group

Lots of outside of work events are offered. The main ones are the personal development ones such as how to get a mortgage or professional networking. There isn't a huge range of social events organised however the company as a whole does have sports teams that apprentices can join. There is an apprentice association that you can join and pay for that organise events however I feel this is good for people who move to Derby and need to make friends

Yes

Amazing company that provides hands on training that other companies would love to hire. Extremely good training to a high standard that will leave me a desirable candidate for any job after I leave. Good pay for apprentices and amazing opportunities post apprenticeship such as further qualifications and learning. If you work hard you can have a job for lif at the company which I love. World class engineering with amazing staff and trainers within

Don't give up if you don't get in first time! If you know someone who works for the company get them to give you information about what the company really does. It's important to do research before an interview as they will expect you to know about the company. If you get an interview make sure to talk to the assessors and be friendly and get to know them a bit. Most of all don't give up