Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Depending on what training course is being completed, or how far you are through your apprenticeship, your day-to-day schedule can vary. First year apprentices have a week at university, followed by a week of practical at Rolls-Royce. For example, turning, welding, milling, etc. At the moment, in my second year, I have been doing a 20-week drawing course to prepare me for my placements in the business which commence in May. The training involves completing set tasks and working through theory to learn the software Rolls-Royce uses in the business for its CAD/CAM.

I have developed strong skills in the CAD/CAM software Rolls-Royce uses in the business over the course of six months, enabling me to effectively design and model items. Doing this has tested my patience and critical thinking, two skills which I believe have improved greatly since the start of my apprenticeship. Moreover, I have developed further in practical skills. Before coming here I had not done much in terms of practical work, but after the year spent completing workshop sections I feel much more confident in carrying out practical work.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoy my programme in all aspects, however on occasion the course you are doing can seem quite repetitive. The content in the drawing course I completed was quite similar throughout, and at times I felt I was repeating myself on several occasions. The workshop sections were very enjoyable and I would happily do them again if given the choice.

Overall, my programme is well-structured, however on occasions there are lapses in communication but this is to be expected of a large organisation. There is plenty of support for those who need it and meetings can easily be put in place to discuss any issues. This support includes things like support for sorting inductions, training and studying.

I have not requested much support personally, but when I have it has been effective and to the point. Typically, I can ask my manager and they can easily sort out my problems without an issue, but if needed I can take it higher and have it sorted just as effectively. Support is very accessible from the company's intranet, and support posters are located across the buildings in the company.

We receive plenty of support for our apprenticeship so far. Whether it be help with our work undertaken at Rolls-Royce, or at university, there is plenty available from many sources. The guidance received is usually always useful, however if not then further help can easily be requested to help with your problems. Overall, there is a positive attitude towards supporting the apprentices with their qualifications, and this is certainly felt when asking for help.

The practical work I completed does not help me personally on a day-to-day basis, as I am not a practical apprentice. The drawing course I have completed will help me greatly in the business depending upon which team I am placed in for my placement. In a CAD/CAM team it would be an invaluable resource. Completing the sections did however help me appreciate how certain manufacturing processes are completed and how the design of products is influenced by manufacturing methods.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at Rolls-Royce, such as sports teams for sports like football which meet on a regular basis. There have been social events for apprentices on evenings, and company events which you can sign up to. STEM is a required part of your apprenticeship which you do to help people in the local schools/community and promote Rolls-Royce and engineering.

Yes

The opportunities presented by Rolls-Royce are vast and after completing your apprenticeship here you will have enough training to go to almost any sector in Rolls-Royce. The social aspects at Rolls-Royce are also a reason I recommend this apprenticeship. I have made many new friends who I see all the time and have become close to during my time here too.

Consider whether the mix between university and full-time work is the work/social life you would like as it is not like a typical university students'. Explore all of the different Rolls-Royce apprenticeship options before starting to see which programme will suit your needs the best. Be open to asking questions and asking for information to gather more information and see what values Rolls-Royce looks for in an employee.