Apprentice Non-Destructive Testing Engineer Review

Once the initial NDT Level 2 qualifications have been completed at SWSNDT (Cardiff), you spend most days gaining NDT experience hours in FPI, and then working on the relevant paperwork (reports, instructions, reviews and approvals, procedures etc.) in order to obtain your Level 3. Half of my time is spent on the shop floor working 'on metal', solving issues or improving the NDT equipment, and the other half on NDT related paperwork.

Gained 5x NDT Level 2 theory qualifications from the SWSNDT in Cardiff. Working towards completing the NDT BEng degree which encompasses a wide range of engineering relevant modules. A wide range of online and classroom based courses to provide general health and safety and IT skills. Much improved communications skills working with people across the whole of the UK, the rest of Europe, and the USA, in and outside of Rolls-Royce.

I do really enjoy working with the people in my team and I agree with and work towards fulfilling the company ethos. I enjoy striving for perfection and completing things to the best of my ability although that is not always a realistic possibility in a real-world business environment. I like coming to work and I feel like I make a difference as well learn a lot whilst there.

Initially the apprenticeship was well organised and structured thanks to a couple of well-experienced leaders who looked after the programme. Unfortunately they moved on to other areas of the business which meant less-experienced leaders have taken their position and at present the apprenticeship lacks clear direction and is a bit all over the place. The main apprentice team is based in Derby and don't always seem to be organised or fully aware.

I have received a significant amount of help from my PoC and Team Leader with regards to learning. It helps that he too was an NDT apprentice and has been able to guide me through the process to make the most of the opportunities presented to me. I have also been able to access counselling twice through the employee assistance programme when struggling with issues in my personal life which I am extremely grateful for. I am regularly checked on my the apprentice leaders to ensure I am working to the best of my ability, that I am safe, and happy.

The SWSNDT (South West School of NDT) were excellent in delivering the NDT Level 2 and 3 qualifications. Their training facilities are very good, the training staff very supportive, engaging, and fun. This played a big part in doing well in my qualifications and making a positive impact on my apprenticeship experience. The University of Northampton are supportive and offer regular support and opportunity to raise concern. If we need help, the support is there.

The Level 2 NDT courses are essential to being a competent NDT engineer, and most of the degree modules have been very relevant to the aspects of manufacturing I am involved in on a daily basis. I don't think a degree is required for this job role, but being academically capable of making complex and critical decisions in a logical and timely manner is very important - and the degree assists with that. I have a wider industry knowledge because of my degree, although I would personally prefer to learn first hand through placements and seeing/doing practical activities directly related the job.

There are events which you can choose to get involved in with work, and the team occasionally go out together whether that's drinking and socialising, driving and working on hobbies together, or exercising, although none of this is organised by work. There are regular professional meetings you can attend in the NDT circle (BINDT) if you wish to get involved, but these are more formal than social.

Yes

Thought and effort put into developing apprentices to become well-trained employees they wish to retain for many years to come.

Look up Rolls-Royce's high performance culture (HPC) as they love the buzzwords during the interview process. I would say your existing qualifications and skills don't matter as much as your desire to learn and ability to pick up and embrace new challenges - show this in as many ways as possible. Take every opportunity you get to explore new areas of the business, and training opportunities.