Level 6 Engineering Apprentice Review

Engineering apprenticeship in the Interior Trim Centre, planning for production processes, ensuring they are completed in a timely manner and contributing to the quality of the product. Also involved with streamlining and implementing new processes designed for production staff. Evaluating manufacturing feasibility and the realization of design and engineering requirements.

I have enhanced my skills with microsoft office applications. I have also been involved with leather part production, like cutting, sewing, and covering onto vehicle components. I have also been to university studying mechanical engineering, giving me a good insight how the world of engineering works. I have also used engineering applications to carry out production line-balancing activities.

I relatively enjoy my programme. I have an engaging team which have welcomed me since the start of my apprenticeship. I also have an apprentice advisor which I can approach with any issues I may have. There are always opportunities on offer to do new things. University can be difficult but it is still very interesting to learn new things.

My programme is relatively well structured. I spend 3 days a week in work whilst spending 2 days a week at university. On weeks where university has not been on, I am able to spend an extra day working from home able to catch-up on university work. There has been instances where we are told last minute what our plans are from work when we first started.

I receive lots of support from my employer. I have an apprentice advisor who is able to assist me with any problems I may have, whether this is admin related or course related. I also have a mentor who is an engineer who is able to assist me with any work-related issues.

I do not receive much support from my training provider. It is typically down to yourself to teach yourself the content of the course if you do not understand the content in the lectures. It can be really difficult to understand the content in the lectures too so extra time must be put into your course outside of university, which can be difficult when balancing this with work.

I cannot always apply what I do at university to my role at rolls-royce. There are certain things like electrical principles which I probably never will need to use in my role that I have to do at university. However, there are other things I am able to apply, like manufacturing processes.

There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved with at my work. For example, my work have set-up a programme with local school children to build small electric cars, enhancing young childrens knowledge of engineering and allowing them to understand the opportunities that may be available to them in the future.

Yes

It is a luxury car brand which is at the pinnacle of lots of engineering processes. Lots of different processes are used to go into a single product, which can feel amazing to be a part of. They also have a decent apprentice support function which can help apprentices when they have any issues.

The advice I would give to others applying to rolls-royce is to always be keen to learn new things and be open minded when certain opportunities may arise. Always spend extra time carrying out your course studies too. Also do not be afraid to talk to new people within the company. People are generally happy to help.