Industrial Sewing Apprentice Review

In my role I have to learn three different sewing job sticks to pass my apprenticeship. This involves sewing three different car parts. Currently, I am moving around departments learning about different processes involved with building the interior of the cars. I attend college once a week to improve my sewing skills.

I've learned new sewing skills including hand stitching as well as using industrial and home machines. I have learned how to embroider, upholster rear and front squabs and cushions, use a skiving and laminating machine and how to split leather. My time management has improved and so has my people skills.

I enjoy learning about different areas of the company and having the opportunity to grow my knowledge on other subjects outside of sewing, this gives me a better image of what kind of job role I would like to be in after I finish my apprenticeship. I like networking with new people.

My placements in different departments etc, bespoke & seats has been very organised as I've always known where I am meant to be, although after my placements I am unsure to what I will be doing, it hasn't been made clear. Some of my issues etc, return to work forms & needing an extra pair of PPE get ignored.

When suffering with mental health issues, my employer is very understanding when I am having a anxious day, they have support put in place if I need anyone to talk to.

Chichester College had a very unorganised "craft skills" programme and I ended up spending the majority of my time sat doing nothing in the library for three months. Although my apprenticeship started in September, I didn't end up sewing until November, my current teacher however began training me in January and has been very helpful and is very knowledgeable, she is the reason I am giving my rating a better score as I believe she will help me achieve my qualification goals.

Having the knowledge of sewing (even if it isn't currently related to leather) is very helpful, college days are a nice break away from work to hone in on other skills. The sewing skills are very transferrable to my job role and vice versa and I have noticed this at work.

The Green Goblin event is a great way to network with people as well as gain overtime, this involves working with kids to build cars and its a very positive environment. Charity money raising events are also available for anyone to join etc, football. I get involved with the Christmas market and the mental health programme another apprentice started.

Yes

Despite all the negativity, Rolls-Royce pays very well and gives employees bonuses, it is a job set for life and pays well after the apprenticeship too. You get a good amount of holidays including bank holidays, you meet loads of new people. If it wasn't for the money or prestigious brand name, I doubt I would've stayed

You get out what you put in, do extra activities to get overtime and it also gets you out of some boring placements. Volunteer to give tours (same reason applies). Careful who you talk to, drama spreads round like flies. Keep your head down and get through your apprenticeship, they fly by.