Fitter Review

On a day to day basis my role involves the planning and operation of building an aircraft engine. whether that is putting the modules together or making the individual modules them selves as well as this i have to collect the evidence for the jobs i complete in order to pass my NVQ.

I have developed new skills such as learning how to use engineering equipment such as ratchets and spanners as well as developing mathematical and scientific skills, whilst learning new ones about business and operations of aero engines. I have also learnt practical skills such as operating machinery and manufacturing steel.

The programme started off during COVID and wasn't too enjoyable but i thought as time progressed it would become more enjoyable. However it has been quite the opposite due to delays in training resources and overall progress not due to my fault. This has made the course quite stressful so far.

The programme is currently poorly organised and structured. So far we have had many gaps in teaching where there is no teacher in the role or the teacher hasn't showed up for lessons, as well as this there has been a 1 year delay in receiving an NVQ assessor meaning i am already a year behind schedule in my apprenticeship.

From my employer the support is very on and off, sometimes there will be a good amount of support and i will receive all the information i require or request. Other times it is the exact opposite meaning i receive little support and don't get the resources that i require

So far the support received from the training provider has been below adequate. it takes a long time for items to be processed and has often led to delays in receiving qualifications and results due to this. However the teachers are extremely friendly and supportive. It is mainly the level above where there is a lack of support.

the qualification definitely improves performance in the role as it allows us to understand more about the business and the aero engines we are working on as well as giving us insight into health and safety and business management to prepare us for the shop floor. The practical training also adds to this.

There are some social activities you can get involved in such as the apprentice league a sports competition or several well-being events throughout the year that anyone is welcome to get involved in. but i personally think there could be some more or if there are options out there we need to be made more aware of them.

No

So far it has been quite a stressful programme and i have been very disappointed there certainly needs to be some improvements in the quality of the apprenticeship before i would recommend it a combination of delays, miscommunication or no communication or resolutions has caused this and is why i cant currently recommend it.

If applying to Rolls-Royce i would recommend that you find out the current situation of the apprenticeship by asking current apprentices at forums or on open days, it is also important you are fully aware of the course and that there are shifts that must be followed and unsociable working hours as well as it being a big place meeting new people often.