Machinist Review

My Role is a machinist apprentice. On a day to day basis I work with my colleagues to machine aerospace engine parts using CNC operated machines. I set up the machines and load the parts into the machine, I check the parts and measure them using a CMM machine and check they are within company specification. I work with the section to meet company objectives and priority jobs. I get to go on many different placement where I operate a different machine on and learn as much as I can about the operations of these machines to prepare me for the end of my apprenticeship.

I have both learnt new skills and developed existing skills during this apprenticeship. I previously partly completed a similar apprenticeship with another company so some of the machines were similar to the other company. However I have learned a lot about machine setting and machine programs. I have also learned a lot about how the teams/sections of my department work. I have learned basic programming at Weston college which will prepare me to understand my machinist role better and have learnt a lot about how the machines work on site and errors that I may encounter.

I highly enjoy my programme, I have learned a range of new skills which include different machining skills and gaining machining knowledge on loading parts, running machine programs, carrying out full machine set ups and even some programming. I have gained competence in manual machining at college where I have enjoyed making a variety of tools and equipment and even made my own mini engine project. I have enjoyed the classroom courses that Rolls- Royce offer which are designed to learn more about yourself as a person and to help you work on your own personal behaviours. Finally I enjoyed my two outward bound trips where we were pushed out of our comfort zones and developed a multitude of different skills/behaviours, they were once in a lifetime experiences.

Our programme has been well organised and structured, we had a few teething problems at the beginning of the apprenticeship such as no on site Apprentice Development Leaders, no assessors and also issues with our college, but once these issues were all flagged they were worked on and solved by the company, we now have 3 on site apprentice development leaders which have designated apprentices and have meetings once a week with us. We have on site assessors which are in the process of swapping to Weston College assessors but have all been very supportive and college issues have been resolved. So there were many areas for improvement on organisation of the programme but they have been improved since the start of the programme and for apprentices that have started after us.

We receive a lot of support from our employer, We have many different support networks such as company production leaders that we see on a day to day basis who support us with our learning and different machine placements, Apprentice Development leaders that we see for weekly meetings who support us with any issues with Qualification work that need resolving and helping us stay on track with our apprenticeship, we also have a monthly review with our ADLs. We have the trade union that support us if we have issues with ADLs or management for any reason. We have support at Weston college who have their own safeguarding officers that we could talk to.

we receive adequate support from our training provider, Weston College. They have many support networks there such as safeguarding officers, tutors that help support with NVQ based work and any personal issues too. Weston College are also now being used as our assessors. So far I have received a lot of support from my new assessor from Weston college, he has communicated regularly with me to help me work on my qualification work and get it signed off and has made it clear that he is there to talk to if we need any support of personal matter too.

I feel that my qualification through my training provider has helped me develop multiple skills and understanding of manual machines and also programming knowledge of CNC machines. Although the machines in College are quite different to the ones in the business I still believe that the knowledge can be related back to the machines in the company for example the small amount of programming that we have learned in college has made me gained an understanding of the programs we run in company and what G codes are used . I feel that the manual machines we have used in college has also given us the knowledge of how to set up and machine and work holding devices in the correct way.

The main extra-curricular activity that I found beneficial was the outwards bound trips which were in the first year and second year. This helped me push myself out of my comfort zone and learn a lot about the person that I am and what behaviours I need to develop/work on, there were team building exercises such as raft building and scrambling/hiking expeditions to crazy experiences like rock climbing and a personal highlight was an activity where we had to do a lap of a lake and then jump in, it was in February in the lake district so it was very cold and a very good mental challenge. The apprentice association regularly arranges social activities to help apprentices to get to know each other.

Yes

I would recommend a Rolls-Royce apprenticeship because it is a life changing experience, you will learn a lot about yourself and will gain a huge variety of knowledge and skills. It is an important stepping stone to help you build the career of your dreams. They are a very well known and professional company so even if you do not want a job there at the end of it, having a time served Rolls-Royce apprenticeship on your CV will open many career opportunities. The company is very supportive of their employees and really look to help people develop themselves.

The main tip/advice I would give to someone that is applying to Rolls-Royce is to just be yourself, Rolls-Royce aren't necessarily just looking for top A grade students they are looking for motivated individuals that want to progress, so show your character and personality. A tip that I wish someone would have told me before I applied would be to believe in myself, I thought that I would never get into Rolls-Royce, the company name alone made me think I would not be good enough but I persevered and applied for the apprenticeship. I applied when I left school and didn't get the apprenticeship which put me off applying again for a couple of years but when I finally did I got the job. Make the most of the apprenticeship and learn as much as possible.