Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice Review

Depending on the placement I am on, my day can vary greatly. For more technical placements, daily stand up meetings and various agile ceremonies are common, with the rest of the day spent designing, building and testing code. There are also many occasions where time is spent discussing ideas with the team, sharing information and working with the customer if necessary. For less technical placements, ones that have a greater focus on business and management, there will be frequent meetings with internal and external customers and suppliers. Due to the size of the site, meetings can take place in many locations and often require travelling to different facilities.

Too many to count! One of the key things you learn is simply how a corporation like this functions, as it can be quite a shock to the system at first. Each placement in different business areas brings new skills and opportunities, whether that be technical skills like coding and data analysis, or softer skills such as negotiation and teamwork. You soon learn the best ways of interacting with the range of people and teams in the company, and how to navigate the processes and red tape that is necessary in the industry.

So far, I have enjoyed the majority of my time on the programme. The company consists of many great people, all of whom are eager to help you learn and provide new opportunities. I have been exposed to areas of the business that wouldn't normally be possible for apprentices in similar organisations, and everyone I have met has been keen to see me succeed. However, there have been times when I have been left wishing I had some more satisfying work to do, and the structure of a large company like this means that process can be rather tedious sometimes.

The support given to apprentices is fantastic, there is an entire apprentice academy dedicated to managing apprentices. Rolls-Royce has been employing and training apprentices for decades, and everyone is provided with fantastic training opportunities and it is clear that the company values apprentices very highly. In particular, I appreciate the way that my programme allows me to spend time in different areas of the IT and technology field, trying out different roles to help me determine a career path that suits.

The support from Rolls-Royce is excellent. Each apprentice is assigned to a manager who's role is purely to mange apprentices and their training, providing support and guidance for every aspect. When on a business placement, there is equal support to help you make the most of the business area you are in. There is an entire training academy dedicated to running training courses for all apprentices, and on top of any university training there is a huge selection of additional training provided, including everything from personal finance to driving safely.

The team at the University provide a decent level of support, and although the distance learning can raise difficulties, they are normally very quick to respond to any questions. When at university in person, we are always given the opportunity to meet with our mentor to discuss anything. The same mentor visits our place of work at least twice a year for a review and catch up in person. The lectures for the course are very knowledgable and keen to support your studies.

There have been many occasions where I have learnt something at university and suddenly had to apply it at work, and other times where I have been working with a technology or concept and then had to learn it at university. In both cases, the balance of off the job training and work help boost my learning on both areas. For me, this is an essential part of an apprenticeship, as it is the practical, hands-on learning that I look for.

The company has an apprentice and graduate association, which hosts many social events throughout the year as well as organising the occasional guest speaker and workshop events. More generally, the company has a number of internal groups for various interests and causes. There are also many company sports team, making use of the Rolls-Royce leisure centre and its facilities. The apprentice academy is full of other apprentices and a good place to socialise both in and out of classes.

Yes

Overall, Rolls-Royce is a great employer and the company genuinely cares about, and in some ways relies on, the success of apprentices. Future job prospects for apprentices are fairly positive, and they are highly valued by the rest of the company. There is a well-seasoned structure of support available, providing the training and experience necessary for a very strong foundation your chosen field. The skills and quality of talent cultivated at Rolls-Royce are recognised globally and sure to boost any career.

First and foremost, understand what Rolls-Royce does. We no longer make cars, and haven't done so for a very long time, yet it is surprising how many people, including applicants, don't know this. Make sure you understand the markets that the company operates in, the challenges and competitors it faces, think about how these could be beaten. Most people you will meet are genuinely friendly and looking to help you succeed, so don't be afraid of talking, asking questions and being curious as these are all traits that are valued by the company.