Engineering Degree Apprentice - Aerospace Review

by Rolls-Royce

Rating

7.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

We complete 6 month placements in a range of departments in the business, including Design, Services and Testing to name a few. The work will all involve developing professional skills such as communication and presentation. Depending on the placement, tasks will involve direct liaising between the apprentice and an external customer. 1 day a week is spent at university studying for a BEng in Aerospace Engineering.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Technical skills such as the use of CAD/CAM and CFD software.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It's great to learn on the job, it provides context to what we learn at university and means we can apply that theoretical knowledge to the production of goods and services on behalf of the company. Balancing the company placement and university workloads can be difficult but it is worth it for the rewards you get.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

This has improved significantly during the course of my apprenticeship, however it was initially very poor. The work placement structure was well planned, but communication between the company and the education provider was insufficient.

4/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Very good support, The Apprentice Development Leads are always on the ball and keep the apprentices best interests as priority. There are regular review from improvement opportunities and the company always looks to implement feedback

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Okay support. The helpfulness is really on a per lecturer basis at university, as the support from the upper levels at the uni is very slow if it even comes back.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Very well. particularly technical skills such as the use of software is always useful in the work placements. While the placements will give you the support you need, it's helpful to hit the ground running when you already understand a software

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Professionally there are many opportunities to get involved with or run STEM or early careers events. Socially, there is the Apprentice Association which regularly organises sports or evening events with the graduates and apprentices. Most work placement teams will also have occasional socials

7/10

9a. Would you recommend Rolls-Royce to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Strong brand reputation. Good career prospects, internally or externally. Great experience and technical development.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Rolls-Royce?

Apply early, and be passionate about the area you are applying to work in.