2nd year Higher Engineering Apprentice - Stress and Design. Review

My role is very varied and cannot be defined as a single job. I am currently studying a degree in Mechanical engineering and am in my second year. The first year of my apprenticeship entailed general manual workshop training, completing a level 2 NVWQ this covered; business improvement training, and electrical training. I also completed training in Manual drawing and CAD Design. I am now on a programme of different placements covering Design, Stress, Quality, CDG, Geometry control, Shop Floor and others which will result in a NVQ level 4 Qualification. Each day is different and the work is very varied.

As previously mentioned yes. I have learnt many new skills, from manual skills such as welding, lathe work, milling, CNC programming, Fitting, General electrical installation and others. I have also learnt how to use NX to a high standard and how to produce manual drawings to conform with different drawing standards. Currently I have completed a placement in design and a placement in CDG therefore I have carried out and managed a design task in cost reduction and also made modifications and ammendments to models and drawings of components. Therefore usually learning and developing a new skill every single day. Something I feel I could not do to this level without carrying out a Higher Apprenticeship.

I really enjoy my programme and the variation of different skills I learn and tasks I perform. The scheme is really varied over this vast company and there are a lot of opportunities given which I make the most of.

As an apprentice I feel very valued, just as valued as any other employee as I am not treat any differently. I feel part of the team and have great opportunities to explore the business.

I feel my structure and programme is very well organised. With a lot of the responsibility being put upon myself to make changes if needed It's a good learning curve and helps with networking and communication to other professionals in the business. I do however sometimes stuggle to contact my line manager as he is a busy individual.

When needed a lot of support. However if not much support is needed then a mandetory 10week meeting is scheduled to ensure I am on track and happy with the apprenticeship.

A lot, Rolls-Royce support apprentices as well as they can with many dedicated staff to help this. In any situation there will always be someone to contact/help.

Fairly well, however Higher Apprentices complete work that is probably the same level as graduate employees if not in cases sometimes beyond, however the pay difference is large with Graduates earning a lot more than Higher Apprentices. Also compared to other apprenticeship programmes Rolls-Royce does not offer a very high salary, but they do offer a lot of training courses and development courses.

Yes, the AgA (Apprentice Graduate Association) offeres different social events and activities to get involved within. However facilities such as the leisure facility do not offer discount to Apprentices and I feel that apprentices should have the same discount oppertunities as students at university have.

Yes

It's a great engineering company that the UK are very lucky to have. Apprentices have the chance to create a long, exciting and rewarding career within the Aerospace industry and help do and make things that many other engineering companies cannot. A lot of training will be provided and the opportunities really are endless within the company.

Be yourself, It's not all about the highest grades (as long as you meet the required grades), it's more about whether you take a genuine interest in the company and can work well in a team. Do your research before an interview and give it your best shot! They invest a lot of money into you and want an individual that makes the most out of that, make sure that individual is you!