Engineering Degree Apprentice - Civil Functions Review

Year 1 is a mix of university based learning and workshop learning to gain a fundamental understanding of engineering processes and operations Year 2 and onwards is based in the wider world of Rolls-Royce and included placements in key business areas before being placed into a suitable area for the final 18 months of the apprenticeship. Whilst on placement university lectures continue on a day-release basis. Placement work can be varied and rewarding with excellent opportunities to network and develop engineering skills

New skills are developed constantly on the program and not only those of use to Rolls-Royce. Basic and essential training applicable to all engineering applications is covered including manual handling courses, control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) training and training in the use of the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). The NVQ qualifications alongside the bachelors degree helpmto build a multitude of skills and encourage continued personal development (CPD) to whilst focussing on key engineering areas and competencies. CAD training is also heavily featured both within Rolls Royce training and in the degree helping to build another invaluable and transferable skillset

As a mature apprentice in a programme ultimately designed for high school leavers it was not without challenge and took time to settle in due to the different levels of experience and maturity found in other apprentices, having said that the general approach to the apprenticeship from the average 18 year old has amazed me and to.work with such passionate people has made the experience much more enjoyable than first expected. The people outside of the apprenticeship scheme are excellent trainers and mentors and the programme has provided much more than I would have initially imagined.

The degree apprenticeship programme is well structured and organised with a good split between hands on learning and traditional learning, with the benefit of undergoing a full bachelors degree in engineering alongside the NVQ and practical skills developed. The first year is run on a block release basis split between the Rolls-Royce learning and development centre's workshops and university lectures/workshop time. Adequate time is allocated to complete each 'section' within Rolls-Royce and plenty of additional training tasks are provided to those that finish early.

Support is generally very good at Rolls-Royce from an apprentice point of view but certain policies regarding bereavement were at times stressful and upsetting to deal with, though, it is my understanding that these have since been altered/updated. General support measures with workload, exam stress and university pressures are in place and the work very effectively alongside support from apprentice develop leaders who offer large amounts of support and guidance to apprentices. The company encourages CPD and supports apprentices to participate in STEM activities also adding to their CVs

A good amount of support is provided by both Rolls-Royce and the university point of contacts to ensure that all qualifications, both NVQ and the degree are completed to the best of the apprentices abilities. Good guidance is given by the ADLs and trainers at Rolls-Royce and the NVQ assessors are a good source of support in completing the NVQ standards to the appropriate levels. Additional support is available for apprentices who are struggling with certain aspects of the NVQ requirements.

The degree provided alongside the apprenticeship is invaluable to become a qualified aerospace engineer which is obviously vitally important to the scheme and it's ultimate goal. The NVQ side of the qualification ensures all apprentices are competent in the relevant areas and have the required competencies for completion of apprenticeship standard. Where some modules of the degree can be difficult to match up with the apprenticeship and difficult to find use for in working life the NVQ is must better aligned and provides a good benchmark for completing the apprenticeship

There are a number of social clubs, extra-curricular offerings and networking events alongside heavy STEM event involvement that all offer a good balance of work and socialising with the added benefit of networking with people from around the wider world of Rolls-Royce. The RR heritage museum in Derby encourages apprentices to join and help with various ongoing restoration projects or dismantling projects and offers a good chance to network with other people from the wider world of Rolls-Royce. I had also recently joined one of the newer RR rugby 7's teams prior to CV19

Yes

I can wholeheartedly recommend an apprenticeship or career at Rolls-Royce, of all apprenticeship providers no other can boast such a world renown brand and offer the opportunities that are on the table at Rolls-Royce. As is often said to apprentices, graduates and new-starters; if you put in the work you'll get a huge amount back. The chances afforded to apprentices are numerous and personal development is heavily focussed upon. To have the training, experience and qualifications tied to this apprenticeship scheme will set you up for life.

Work extremely hard in the run up to exams that the application to Rolls-Royce depend upon, and once you have a foot in the door keep up that work ethic. Do your research and stay inquisitive, be ready to take charge of your apprenticeship and steer it in a direction that suits you as there is a LOT to get out of it. Be bold and approach people in the business if you can and get an understanding of how the different areas of the business merge together.