Aerospace Fitter Apprentice Review

Within my job role I am either at work 4 days a week then college 1 day a week. As a fitter you do either morning or afternoon shifts with a week working from home instead on night shifts to complete paperwork such as college assignments and NVQ work. On placement the day to day job slightly varies however you follow operation instructions from the ACR or manual to then build up or strip down modules and engine for gas turbine engines.

I have learned new skills such as time management and workload management regarding juggling a fitting day job as well as work for the qualifications. Additionally I have grown my interpersonal skills through speaking to new people and managers through different medias such as email, phone calls and face to face.

Before Covid-19 I really enjoyed my job as the placements were engaging and there was plenty of work. However Covid as greatly reduced the amount of practical placements available in the business resulting in placements which don't relate to the qualifications or job role. This is through no fault of the company though, however they could maybe try to find some more engaging placements. Despite this I enjoy the people and work when it's there.

I believe this area needs great improvement as I feel there isn't much communication between the business and apprentice development leaders. For example I have been put on the same placement twice which is visible on the apprentice placement plan so therefore there was not much time or consideration spent over developing the next placements. This has happened to a couple other apprentices too.

The workers in the business are extremely supportive and many of them love to have apprentices and pass on their knowledge. This is the same for assessors in the business to set up regular meetings to go through the NVQ and pass off evidence. From an apprentice lead perspective I feel occasionally supported however most of the time I feel they aren't always encouraging or understand the placements or where we are.

From Derby college there is plenty of support for assignments and BTEC exams with extra maths sessions set up and tutors responding quickly to any messages or questions. For the NVQ I learned mainly how to complete evidence through my assessor and not the training school however other apprentices who don't have the same assessor are struggling with how to complete evidence for their NVQ.

I believe subjects such as business, project and gas turbine engines further my knowledge in the business and give me a backbone of knowledge to stem new concepts from. However some of the maths and physics we learn doesn't correlate at all to what our future job role will be.

I believe before Covid-19 there were extra-circular activities such as sports, socials and music activities. However I didn't get involved with them so I don't know too much about them. I believe not many apprentices are involved, it is more full time employees which participate in the activities.

Yes

I would recommend as Rolls-Royce is a phenomenal company to work for with amazing benefits and career progressions. All managers and members of the business are encouraging and enthusiastic for the future of the company (apprentices) and there are many opportunities to get involved with STEM programs. The only downfall is the lack of organisation from the training school where they treat you very immaturely in comparison to the business where they treat you as a worker, not a kid.

Do research into the company and find an area of the business which inspires and motivates you. Bring to your interview examples of engineering achievements or write about your past experiences such as science projects, STEM activities or product design work. Be enthusiastic about the future of the company, such as the new test bed or electric engines and give any ideas you have.