Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

As an engineering degree apprentice I work in different areas of the business for 6 month placements. Currently I am based in Lifecycle Cost Analysis and work to understand how Rolls-Royce products perform in service from a cost perspective (such as the cost of maintenance and refurbishment). I analyse data to understand trends, identify new and emerging trends and develop tools to better allow fleet planners and designers to plan new engine models or modifications of current models.

I have learnt a great deal across the apprenticeship both from the university perspective and whilst on the job. I use a large amount of analytical skills learnt both through university modules and through tasks within several placements around the business and have developed a new skill set around coding and creating scripts within Microsoft SQL Server management studio to query multiple large databases to understand engine performance data.

The placements I have experienced within the programme have all been positive experiences, helping to define my interests within the business and identify an end goal from the apprenticeship. The scheme itself has some issues which have been difficult to overcome and oftentimes procedures concerning the progression of apprentices (from within the apprentice team) can be far to rigid and difficult to change the status quo.

My training provider has changed 3 times since joining the scheme and there has been a huge amount of disruption due to this. I was fortunate in that i foresaw issues and completed work packages prior to changes in the structure so i did not get caught out but many other apprentices have suffered substantial delays and frustration. As mentioned in the previous section the programme can be overly rigid with certain elements being frustrating and overly complex.

Large amounts of support from most placement areas. Following issues in one placement i had good support from management and HR and the employee assistance program provided is very good. Due to a change in apprentices development leader I have received less support and can occasionally feel forgotten. Mt current and last placements have provided excellent support with family issues and have reinforced my enjoyment of the program through their behaviours and supportive nature

Speaking specifically for the latest training provider I have had a very good experience concerning their provided support - the individuals who have helped me build my portfolio of evidence and other key documents towards my end point assessment have provided key feedback and are available for help when required. They have provided key insight to areas of weakness and provided advice to reinforce these areas.

The qualifications i have received including NVQs and my eventual BEng, alongside the on the job and off the job training have set me up well for all of the placements i have encountered so far. the skills gained from working towards these qualifications and the knowledge gained have helped me in several key projects and tasks i have lead and been involved with.

Due to distance from my work location it is not always possible to join in with extra-curricular activities outside of work. I have however been able to join the apprentice council, and frequently help with new apprentice assessment centres where i meet prospective apprentices and other interviewers from around the business. By getting involved in these areas i have been able to develop my network and obtain key contacts from varying areas of the business

Yes

I would recommend Rolls-Royce to a friend with several caveats - i believe the apprenticeship programme is quite restrictive and would only recommend it to friends i feel would benefit from that route, however i would not hesitate to recommend Rolls-Royce to a direct entry employee or possibly a graduate - where the support, freedom and opportunities are very beneficial and open if you are able to join the company.

Research the company well before applying and before attending an assessment session, understand what different areas are available and how the scheme you are applying for fits in. It is key to understand why you want to join and what your expectations are. It's important to have a passion for engineering or the area you hope to apply to, with a desire to continually improve yourself. having a longer term goal beyond the apprenticeship is also beneficial to help an interviewer to understand what interest you most.