Civil Aerospace Operations Degree Apprentice Review

Every day is different. 4 days of the week I'm on placement, contributing to the business whilst gaining invaluable experience. I use my placement activities to capture evidence towards a Level 4 NVQ that I'm completing alongside my Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace), for which i travel to University one day a week. My placements change every few months to get a wide variety of opportunities and growth.

I have learnt so many skills, from hands-on machinery work in training to technical understanding in University, software skills whilst on placement or communication skills in general. The apprenticeships are designed to create well-rounded engineers.

The work is very intense at times, with Uni, NVQ and placement work. But, with a network of great apprentices my age and fantastic colleagues out in the business, my apprenticeship is very enjoyable.

The structure of the programme is great. The plan for development is there from day one all the way until the end of the apprenticeship. Although some changes have had to be made due to interruptions with COVID-19, the structure has been shifted slightly allowing us to still achieve everything that is expected of us within a realistic time frame.

The amount of support from everyone at RR is overwhelming. In particular, my ADL (Apprentice Development Leader) is always there for any kind of support. There's also NVQ assessors, Derby College assessors, University lecturers and many more outlets for support if required.

Again, the amount of support available from the University or Derby College is great.

The topics studied at University directly link into the work that I'm doing on the job. Even if the software is different, the theory and methodology is transferable which is helpful.

There are a host of communities among RR employees. I have trained with the RR football team a few times but many of these have had to stop due to COVID-19.

Yes

This apprenticeship provides you with all of the opportunities and support to start a career with a fantastic company in an interesting and evolving industry. RR has changed me as a person since I started and I've met some amazing people along the way who I'll keep in touch with for life.

Do your research and be confident. On the assessment day there was a table with Lego to build whilst waiting and it really helped break the ice and ease the nerves.