Non-destructive testing engineer degree apprentice Review

I work as a NDT engineer. This involves the testing of components to ensure they are safe for use and fit for purpose. The "average" day will be different depending on which placement you are working in at the time. My previous placement was in manufacturing and so the focus was on processing of components whilst my new placement involves the development of new techniques and improving existing ones.

Since starting my course I have learned an entirely new skillset ranging from penetrant, magnetic particle testing, radiography, ultrasonics and eddy current testing to more business skills such as project management, budgeting, negotiation and working with suppliers. As part of my degree I have also developed my technical understanding of many other aspects of engineering. Existing skills such as mathematics, chemistry, physics and writing of reports have also been developed to a large extent.

I enjoy my programme a lot. The people on the course are great and we have plenty of social events. The content of the course is relevant to my future career progression and there are endless opportunities to develop yourself.

The programme was created by the British Institute of NDT (BINDT) and has been thoroughly tested and revised. The course in its current state is a well oiled machine that has a clear structure and plenty of development. Everything in the course has a purpose.

We have plenty of access to support from just speaking to a friend all the way to official HR and ethics lines. I have felt very well looked after whilst on this course.

We receive sufficient training to complete our qualifications and we have access to world class experts in our field to ask questions to if we ever need it. There are also performance improvement plans for those who are really struggling and need an extra boost as well as additional tuition from lecturers where required.

All the training courses and qualifications we complete are directly related to our roles and so the training we have done has helped me to perform better throughout the course.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved with. At the Derby site there is RR leisure which has sports facilities and clubs to join, there is the AGA (Apprentice and Graduate Association) which holds social events as well as everyone on our course takes the initiative to suggest ideas for socials regularly. For professional networking, there are regular BINDT meetings and other events that we are recommended to attend.

Yes

Rolls-Royce has been a fantastic company to work for and has provided world class training and experience throughout my course.

Do your research and go the extra mile. What values and behaviours do we typically look for? What is the current context of the company in the global economy? Who are our competitors? Who do we work closely with? What other activities other than school exams can you complete to set yourself apart from other applicants (DofE, CREST. Etc.)? Do you have a technical understanding of what you are applying for?