Engineer Review

Very varied. No two days will ever be the same which i feel is important as it is much more engaging this way. I always have important tasks assigned to me, not just "filler" work to take up my time. As an engineering role a lot of my work centres around problem solving or analytical thinking. I also get the chance to work with others aboard which is a great experience as you can see their sometimes different ways of working and learn from them

In short yes. As a lot of work is based around problem solving a key skill is root cause analysis. This is where you work analytically ruling out causes of a problem until you find the correct problem to fix. This method of work is much more effective and efficient than randomly fixing "potential" problems and making things worse. Also as a degree apprentice, everything i cover at university i can see translated into the workplace. This can be technical knowledge such as flight dynamics, or skills such as report writing

Significantly! I've enjoyed every day since i started and will continue to do so. The company culture is great for apprentices as people across the business enjoy the chance to work with you and pass on there skills. Everybody recognises that apprentices represent the future so are willing to go the extra mile. This is best seen in the level of support offered, as any time problems are encountered there is always a member of the team who will find the time to help and show you the correct way forward

I always know what i need to do next. The university side is fairly straight forward as it work the same as a normal degree, i attend lectures/ tutorials and then sit exams or submit coursework at the end of the semester. While it can be hard to manage time, it is perfectly doable. The NVQ side of the course is quite open in how you can approach it due to just being open criteria you present evidence of meeting. This can mean its hard to know where to start but their is always support to help plan ahead.

As much as i need. No matter what problems i have faced at work or university, i have always had the support i need to resolve them. This can come in the form of technical understanding from a more experienced member of the team, or help with certain processes. It can also be help with you personally, such as if university work is a struggle they will lay out any of the extra support needed if you are willing to ask for it.

Again as much as is needed. As the degree can be quite intense with it being part time alongside full time work, we are checked on our progress regularly usually in the form of check ins with a tutor. These dedicated slots allow us the time to speak to them personally and we can share any problems we are having as well as take advice on any issues. They can also help is know if our progress is on track or if we are falling behind to avoid problems further down the line

Everything i learn at university can be applied at work. This is usually in the form of technical knowledge to improve my core understanding of engineering concepts. This can be things like materials sciences or mathematical analysis and these concepts i use everyday at work. However, they can also be skills instead. For example writing technical report for coursework is directly transferable as technical reports are written all the time in the workplace covering a whole range of subjects

There is an apprentice association who organise fun events throughout the year. These range from holidays to nights out a big end of year ball. There also many events help all the time for networking. In my time i have been to events for internal networking and also into the wider industry, including the iMechE. These networking events are extremely helpful for getting a wider view of the industry as well as making contacts who can be useful when you need specialist knowledge at a later date

Yes

This apprenticeship has really kick started my career. By the end, i will have 4 years work experience with an internationally renowned engineering company, a fully paid for degree, and a vast wealth of knowledge. With these things in hand i could effectively go wherever i wished but would likely look internally for a role within Rolls Royce. They have given me all the keys to make my careers a success, i just need to take the opportunities.

Find what you enjoy. Engineering is a very wide ranging subject so it helps to have a rough idea as to what sort of things you enjoy. I would also say to be yourself at all times. People in the workplace want to see the real you and this will vastly improve your work relationships. And finally, be passionate. People love to talk with others about what they are passionate about and it makes work a lot more fulfilling of you are passionate about the subject as well