Apprentice engine fitter Review

My role is to train to become an aircraft engine fitter. This includes attending derby college to complete a level 3 BTEC while working on site at Rolls-Royce in order to train and become competent on the job. This includes working on each module within the engine to gain a understanding of the whole engine and give you a base line level of knowledge of each module to a level of depth that makes you competent to complete the assembly of the engine. You also work on an engine build to complete a full assembly of the engine. Throughout the time at work you must also complete a level 3 BTEC by carrying out work and completing sets of knowledge questions.

While working at Rolls Royce you are placed amongst multiple work teams while in different work sections. This helps develop social skills, team working and flexibility as you adapt to each working environment and new team members. Organisational skills are also developed while planning out the completion of the NVQ such as planning the jobs to be complete and organising meetings with assessors. Communication skills are also developed while working with each team, communicating with assessors and ensuring the ADL is still in the “loop”.

The first year of the apprenticeship is spent in the training workshops at the LCDC which while enjoyable I found not to be the most enjoyable experience while not being a negative experience either. Since being released into the business for the last two years of the apprenticeship I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I have found both the work itself and the work environment more enjoyable during this time period and felt that you are genuinely treated as a part of the workforce.

I have found that the first year of the course was very well structured and organised to the apprentices benefit. However, upon entering the business the consistency of organisation varies. At first the initial placements were greatly unorganised but as we settled into the business a better plan was put in place, which was extremely helpful. On the college side of the apprenticeship I have found that proper organisation is few and far between with overall organisation leaving much to be desired.

The employer is very generous and helpful with both work involved/related activities and those that are not. I have no complaints with the treatment I have received from my employer and would always recommend them as an employer to others. When in issues professionally the company always supports the employee and when in personal issues I find that the company is very diligent about personal matters and treats employees respectfully and offers full support to make times less stressful where they can.

I have found the level of support offered by the training provider varies wildly. In some cases it feels as though all questions are answered by tutors and in other cases it can feel as though your issues are overlooked and you are left to your own devices to solve them. The help from tutors on the course is good and can be very helpful. Support from the training provider however can be lacklustre and questions often go unanswered.

I feel the qualification through my training provider has been very helpful in some sense as it has helped develop a level of knowledge and understanding about some aspects of the job that are vital. In other subjects I have felt that they, while interesting have offered no potential benefit to the job itself and may have been unnecessary to the job itself. I think overall most of the courses do involve a level of basic knowledge that may become applicable in certain placements depending where you may work if you are to get a job.

Rolls-Royce has its own gym as well as a large variety of sports teams that can be joined should you want to. There are also a lot of opportunities to carry out professional networking such as the already mentioned sporting events as well as other events such as galas, sponsored activities such as walks etc. There are also events held at the training centre for professional networking where stands are placed up to showcase the different sectors in the business and different jobs that are available within the company

Yes

I think if you read through my previous answers to questions on such as enjoyment and support you can see why I would recommend this company to a friend. I would also add to those comments that the business is well payed with good benefits and overall I have found it to be a jovial experience with good people to work with so would definitely recommend rolls Royce to a friend especially if they were going straight into a job rather than through the college as well.

Mostly what you would say when applying anywhere, ensure that it’s a job that you will be interested it and enjoy. Study for the interview if you get one, always show the “Rolls-Royce behaviours” such as acting respectful. I would also suggest researching up on the area that you are applying for and maybe speak to current workers to know what to expect and what the job does entail to be sure it’s a job you want.