Interior Trim Centre Apprentice Review

My role changes from month to month through the different placements that I have, So depending on where I am placed changes the content of my work. When I spend time in production I am responsible for producing parts and elements of the cars to a high quality standard. Currently I'm in CAQS, this is more of an IT role looking after the production lines quality systems.

I have developed many new skills, both physically and mentally. I have learned how to both hand sew and use a sewing machine, the different types of machine and how to maintain them. I have learned about how a manufacturing plant works and the different systems they have in place to allow for smooth production and gather statistical data to help improve it at the same time.

I thoroughly enjoy my program at work, getting to see all aspects of the processes within the plant, gathering a wide knowledge of how things are done and the standards that the work is held too. The transferable skills gained from each placement into others is also very helpful to help get to grips with the different processes.

There are two sides to the apprenticeship coin, at work there is a plan laid out for us for each placement spanning the three year duration of the programme, the plan can be changed if we have a request for something different. The college side of the coin is much more disorganized, the examining body for the structure of the course was only outlined too us well over a year and a half into the course, as well as the course itself not being entirely relevant to my job role at work.

The support from Rolls Royce is ever-present, if you can't reach or ask the person you need to someone else is always willing to help and put you in the right direction. Everyone understands that as an apprentice you need to learn and will have questions, I have found that everyone around is willing to help you get what you need.

The course criteria was only outlined to us after a long time already doing it, only one of the lectures out of four know about what is required by us to complete it so if we have any questions about the criteria and the lecturer who knows isn't there then they will go unanswered.

In all honesty the course that we are on is not relevant to my work at Rolls Royce at all, the only slightly relevant skill would be sewing but even then its still quite a way off as the machines at the plant are industrial and can't be compared with the domestic machines at college.

There are plenty of extra curricular activities to take part in with groups from work, various football teams and kickabouts from different departments, once a month go karting with the production line and there are many different clubs and teams in association with the college that you can take part in.

Yes

Its a supportive and friendly place to work, a fantastic brand to work for as well as a good internal training structure, from what I understand the courses for the apprenticeship are changing to something far more relevant to what we will be doing at college and the Apprentice management structure is stronger now than when I started.

Come in with an open mind, If you have not worked in a big company before then be prepared for a culture change, its not a quick fix for a job but it will set you up on a fantastic career path for the future with lots of varying positions if you are willing to put the work in.