Aerospace Fitting Apprentice Review

I come into work and head to the area I am working in at that time. I place my bag in the work area and then listen to the briefing which lets me know what I will be doing that day. Then I get to work fitting parts and components to the fancase/module depending on where I am working

I have learnt plenty of new skills during my time, I can now look at an ACR or at MES and understand what I am required to do for the tasks. I can also understand what is required from the toolbox if another fitter asks me to collect the tools we need to complete the job

I enjoy the programme from a day-to-day point of view and the work is good. In most areas there is plenty of work and lots to be getting on with everyday. However, the organisational side of things could do with improving. Often we are not aware what our next placement is going to be the week before we start.

It is poorly organised as there is not enough communication between the different levels. Every bit of information I learn about the apprenticeship, more often than not, comes from another apprentice. This could definitely be improved and if it was to be improved then it would make the apprenticeship much better.

I receive plenty of support from the employer in my apprenticeship, they ensure I have the correct workwear for all the activities I have to carry out. They should also ensure that each placement is aware that you are coming onto the section and they are improving at this. It was poor when I first started but it is now improving

I would like to receive more support from the training provider towards my qualification, the assessors they hire do not work 5 day weeks and they also are not great at communicating over email which is important as they do not come onto the shop floor very often as the college have not hired enough of them so they are constantly extremely busy.

The qualification will help me massively to improve in my role, without the qualification I would have had no understanding of how to perform in the role; however, once I have completed the qualification I will be competent in the role and will be able to do a good job once I have learnt the jobs in the area I go into a job

As far as I am aware there are a few extra curricular activities to get involved in. These include rugby and flying club. I do not attend any of these. It is important that the company make these available, without these some people may struggle with things to do outside of work.

Yes

It is a very good place to work overall, the people are extremely friendly in the main and they make you feel at home right away. The work is also interesting and it feels like you are contributing towards something bigger than yourself, Rolls-Royce help people all round the world meet people they never would otherwise.

Ensure that you know about the company and their history and the current engine line up before beginning as it is a very proud company with a large history in the aerospace industry. I would also say get any sort of engineering work you can beforehand as this will give you a headstart on others