Apprentice (Machinist) Review

Each week varies in terms of what we are doing. Some weeks we would look at the theoretical aspect of engineering. This is done with Derby College. O Other weeks would focus on the practical side. In the workshop we do turning, milling, CNC and fitting. With Derby College we look at the principals of these processes along with business improvement techniques and materials. With Derby College, we are also learning about engineering drawings in first angle and third angle projection.

I have met a lot of new people so far during my time at Rolls-Royce. This has improved my confidence when talking to people I may not necessarily know. This has indirectly had an impact on my team working abilities. We have also had a 1 week training course where we looked at business improvement techniques. We looked at how we could simplify manufacturing processes to, ultimately, make more money. This has taught me to think smartly.

I really enjoy working at Rolls-Royce. I can't think of a better place to be! There is a good balance between learning in a classroom environment and doing more hands-on work in the workshop. We have a good team of apprentices. The standards here are really high so it comes with that added pressure of having to make sure that the work we do is perfect. But this is what I expected and the most important thing is that I really enjoy it.

Our 1 week induction was really informative and well-organised. I could tell that they were working to a plan and it went really well overall. We were also asked if we needed any support to help aid our learning - which is great. We were clearly told about our contacts. We were assured that we could talk to them if we had any issues whatsoever. Our programme is well structured and there is a good mix between college and practical work.

Our manager is very kind and polite. She has given us her number as well as her email so that we won't have any issues contacting her if we run into any problems. We regularly have reviews with our manager in which we are constantly asked if we need any support to help aid our learning. Their attitude towards me is great. If I were to ask for any support, the would make arrangements as soon as possible.

Our tutors are very helpful and they are really trying to make the best out of a bad situation with the current pandemic. We have quick and easy access to all electronic documentation. Most importantly, the try to make it more enjoyable by occasionally starting Kahoot quizzes. If we have any problems, I am sure that they will help us to the best of their abilities. They also ask us if we need any support and if someone is struggling they will happily help.

We are learning about things which are directly related to our role. We learn about the machines and in the workshop we can put our knowledge into practice. I know a lot more about my job and the manufacturing industries because they show us videos and real life examples. Its really easy to do practical work because everything we learn at Derby College applies to the manufacturing industry. Videos have certainly helped a lot in understanding engineering in general.

Rolls-Royce does a lot of sporting activities like football and rugby. They also have a gym. On Yammer, the also list any extra-curricular activities and social events. At the moment, most of these are held on Microsoft Teams. The different locations for the sporting clubs and the gym are fairly close to the workplace, so we have no issues getting there. We can also volunteer for events such as the the Digital Academy and we also have chances to go into schools to teach the children about Rolls- Royce.

Yes

Rolls-Royce is the biggest Aerospace company in the world and the standards in everything they do is really high. It does take a lot of effort and it can be stressful at times - but that Rolls-Royce shirt brings a great deal of pride and the quality of teaching is amazing. I would absolutely recommend working here as everything in our schedule is planned and there is a perfect balance between college studies and practical training in the workshop.

The application process consists of an online form with a few 300 word questions. Usually about your interests and hobbies outside of work. If you get selected, you are then invited to an interview where they ask you about your decision to apply for Rolls-Royce. There is a huge emphasis on your interests so it helps to bring examples of any work that you do outside of school/work. If you get chosen, you fill out a series of forms and prepare yourself to start in September!