IT SAP Service Delivery Apprentice Review

My role varies day-to-day and 2 days are never the same! I am involved in IT Integration, conducting Business Impact Analysis of production systems by meeting with the application owners and users. I am also currently involved in a project to aid our transition to the cloud, creating Web applications that link to our SAP instance. Also, I am responsible for our section of the Reporting server, maintaining users and creating PowerBI reports using data from our Ticketing system database.

I have developed my presentation and communication skills significantly, communicating with many colleagues in the business that I do not know personally. I have also learnt about SAP, how it is configured, and how features are developed, tested and deployed. As well as this, I have learnt about our production systems, and how these are used on the production line.

I thoroughly enjoy working for Rolls-Royce Motor cars. All colleagues I have met have treated me with respect, and this is reflected in the culture of the company, where we are all treated as one team. The work is NOT mundane and varies day to day, which keeps the work interesting and enjoyable.

The programme is fairly well organised, I go to University on Wednesday and have regular meetings with my manager where we discuss potential placement opportunities, review my progress and discuss task/project opportunities. If I need support from the company I know exactly who to talk to and am confident that I will receive it. The other department placements are not pre-organised but this leaves the decision on placements up to me ultimately, so I see this as a big positive.

I have weekly meetings with my Manager/Mentor where any support I need will be raised, but if it is too urgent to wait for the meeting, I can just message, call or email my manager/mentor and know that I will receive support. Colleagues have a positive attitude towards support and are generally happy to help. I know who I can approach, or speak to in HR or other departments that would be happy to provide support.

I have an allocated student tutor/advisor who I can speak to if I need any support, and the SIZ (Support and Information Zone) at the Uni is a hub for support and guidance if needed. The general attitude towards support is varied based on the person you ask but you learn to know the right people to ask.

I attempt to align my work placements with my University modules as best as I can, so this gives me the opportunity to put the theory learnt at university into practice. I feel as though I know more about the industry practices during certain modules in the qualification, but actually seeing it at work provides a much better view.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with. There are social events with other apprentices and within the department, as well as between departments. There are many sporting clubs including football, rugby and golf. There are many charity events to get involved with and the ability to help out with new apprentices/associates by providing plant tours etc.

Yes

The company is great to work for with great benefits, with helpful and friendly colleagues. There are many opportunities to experience other areas of the business and within your department. You can get involved with other projects and feel empowered to make your own decisions within the company. There is also opportunities to work with people from BMW and Mini.

Apply as early as possible to ensure your application gets through, there are tests to go through, so you should complete these as soon as possible. Researching the company would help, and a genuine interest in the cars would go a long way. The onboarding process is fairly fluid, and as an apprentice you have the opportunity to meet the other apprentices.