Level 6 Aerospace Engineering Apprentice Review

Im first year apprentice for RR. Im currently spending the majority of the time working from home (due to the current situation) but i should be on site at Weston College receiving face-to-face lectures (4 of them a week) and spending the rest of my time in the machine shop, hand fitting room and self study.

YES! Ive probably learnt the most new things anyone can in just 6 months. This includes new maths (aerospace and mechanics), machining (on a lathe, milling or pillar drill), hand fitting(using tools ive never used before), coding (using Matlab), CAD design (using solidworks), soldering and other engineering basic skills.

The pay isn't bad at 18 years old, and there's a good mixture of lesson/lecture based and practical based skills being taught in the first year. (unfortunately I'm in lock down at the moment so I'm making the most of my computer at home). I've made some new great friends and enjoyed my the majority of my apprenticeship so far, however there are a few tweaks that could be made..

Honestly, not the best. From the very start of my program there has been a huge lack of structure (from the business side). From the academic side, it was difficult to get started because changes to the content, but when you get the ball rolling, you can get used to it and know what to do in some bad scenarios.

The support is very good! Although i get an unorganised monthly reminder as to who i can contact in a bad situation (which is quite repetitive), i know who to talk to when i need support in almost any scenario. My manager/s are great in that aspect as they will chase people to rectify an issue such as a lecturer, or the college reps.

Not a lot, actually. The academic side is tough, and if you don't understand it, you must talk to your friends or research yourself because most of the time, if you contact your lecturer, they probably wont get back to you on time, if at all. This is probably because we are working from home, but either way, it can definitely improve.

I think MOST of what i am learning is related to a possible role i will have in the future or placement, but there may need to be a couple of small changes in the course structure that is completely irrelevant and tedious to go through.

At the moment, not a lot. Being in lockdown is the main culprit for this, however i am aware of a social group within the apprentices from RR, including sports, pubs and other activities. They have been compromising them online, but i haven't been a part of that so i cant say anything further. The main extra-curricular activity for me at the moment is just some extra learning in some topics that i may need a bit more time in.

Yes

Coming straight out of A-levels, at the age of 18, it was the best pathway for myself. I was able to go straight into a job, earn a good salary and stay at home (for a bit still). Rolls-Royce is very hard to get in to, but the staff and support are nice and will help you throughout the apprenticeship.

Definitely apply, even if you're unsure. If you're successful to get into the interview day, great, but this is the main time to show off. Remember you lines (because you will have to deliver a few presentations) and have some good questions to ask the interviewers. Do your research too!