1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Currently, my responsibilities involve developing and maintaining a cutting edge system and attending an advanced training course that aims to build robust skills in the latest cyber security technologies.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt many new skills and developed lots of existing ones. My soft skills have improved dramatically and I am now far more confident with delivering presentations. My technical skills, such as general programming ability, have also improved greatly.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoy working here because I get to work with cutting edge technologies and lots of interesting people. As a business, Roke is very keen on our personal and career development which means that we are provided with lots of fun and interesting opportunities. Lots of senior engineers will also make time to keep up with us and help up out which is invaluable.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

On the work side, this apprenticeship program is well organised. We started out with a bootcamp which we attended along with the graduates. It provided a good base level of knowledge to build off.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My manager is great and genuinely cares about my well-being and development. Lots of senior engineers will make time for me to answer questions or catch up which is invaluable.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

We can reach out to module tutors if we need support but my experience is that they are not always available, so it can take several days to get a response, which is not ideal.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The university course is not designed for students who work four full days a week. In the first term, classes ran from 9am-7pm which is utterly exhausting, especially when you have another four days of work that week. The modules designed to support our development are just additional tedium and stress. It's common for me to get to the end of my university and feel like it was a complete waste of time. On the other hand, I have had to deliver a lot of presentations during my time at university, which has helped me build confidence in that area.

5/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Roke does run various clubs but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I have been unable to attend any except for ones that can run online.

5/10

9a. Would you recommend Roke to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Roke has challenged me in many ways and has helped me to develop many crucial skills. I've had to solve lots of fun and exciting problems and I'm exposed to people and ideas that I may never have experience outside of the business. It's also a good opportunity to get a free degree from a respected university.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Roke?

Sell yourself. Make it clear what you can bring to the business and why you're a good fit.

Technical Engineering Apprentice Review

Rating

Details

Manufacturing Degree Apprentice