Engineering Operative Review

My role involves production and manufacturing of all current models at the home of Rolls Royce Motor Cars, Goodwood. I work within a team of around 15-20 operatives within a section of the assembly line, and work as a team to build the cars each shifts. We use many tools and fixings to build the cars.

I have learnt how cars are manufactured within a hand built environment. During my apprenticeship I have learnt mechanical engineering and manufacturing skills, such as using power tools and producing components. I have learnt mechanical maintenance, electronics and welding etc which has been great but these skills i have learnt are not used or relevant in my role.

I enjoy working within the engineering industry and helping to hand craft luxury cars. It is nice to see your hard graft at the end when the cars are finished and you see them driving about. I feel the programme is not organised however, and some days i have no work to do and no one to advise me on what to do.

The college and further education are very well organized and i feel the course has been well taught. I do not feel the technical apprenticeship has been well organized at work , as some weeks there will be no work for me as there are other staff higher trained than me.

My employer is supportive and the HR department is useful. They are supportive for surgeries etc., people i know have been looked after whilst being off work for months. Any advice or help you need can be found by managers etc. Most colleagues and managers are willing to help and support you if you needed.

The college is very supportive and understanding with the course. If you need any help for coursework etc they are more than happy to help. The entire Chichester college engineering team has been great and I have learnt a lot from the team. Would recommend this college to anyone studying further education.

I feel my qualification does not have must relevance for my current job role. I work in a production/assembly line using basic hand tools to build the cars. No aspect of my engineering course has been helpful for this role and I feel i could've joined the company without the need to do this course for an assembly role.

There are many extra curricular activities at work that you can get involved with. There are many social events such as nights out with the apprentices/interns. There are also opportunities to help out in school events, experimentation teams and many different opportunities throughout the business. Charity events and also team building events are easy to be involved with.

Yes

Its a big company with many perks such as good pay for the work we do and a great pension scheme. progression into a high paying job is also available with hard work. I would NOT recommend doing a level 2 course however, as there are many more opportunities that are available with a higher certificate of education.

If you need something done at work you must be proactive and chase for the answers. Managers are very busy and can be hard to contact sometimes. Also, try and get into a higher apprenticeship as you will have better opportunities compared to studying a lower level course. Good luck