Mechanical Degree Apprentice Review

I have 6 month placements working in different areas of the business to gain experience in different areas of engineering. Projects are assigned by placement managers and involve personal work, meetings, working with other teams and reporting back to mangers. There is also NVQ level 4 work to be completed throughout the placements, recording work completed on placements.

University teaches the engineering knowledge required for a degree, topics cover engineering mathematics, materials and electronics to give a few examples. This knowledge can be applied at work and I find it very useful reinforcing what I have learnt. The apprenticeship involves working with many people so communication and teamworking skills are continually developed.

There are many opportunities to get involved in company events. There is a mental wellbeing week that has many events such as yoga, crafts, meeting support animals and fun runs. Everyone you meet in the company is very welcoming and has a relaxed outlook so unnecessary stress does not occur.

There have been recent changes to the training provider so it is difficult to say how well organised the programme will now be as it was poor before. However, the majority of things organised by the company are well structured and planned. Rolls-Royce has also been taking on apprentices for many years so have experience in how to well structure an apprenticeship but continually making improvements too.

As an apprentice I have a manager throughout my course who supports the organisation of my placements. I also have an assessor who marks NVQ work and finally the university who is the lead training provider. Between the three there is always someone to contact with difficulties and we have regular reviews to ensure my work is on track.

The training provider supports the knowledge learnt at university and is responsible for ensuring we can meet the requirements to gain our apprenticeship at the end of our scheme. As the training provider is new there has been few opportunities to see how well they support me. However, our cohort has found issues with some of the training delivery and the way in which our complaints were addressed.

The qualification is required to become a chartered engineer and the knowledge is often interesting. However I have had little opportunities to apply what I have learnt. This is because the first year of the course is practical work and I have yet to work in the business with other engineers.

Rolls-Royce has a sports facility and gym on site including rugby teams, football teams and netball teams. Sites also have events such as wellbeing weeks, these involve different activities that aim to improve mental health of employees and awareness of mental health at work. Individual teams may also have events such as a quiz or going bowling with the team.

Yes

The company ethos is unbeatable, everyone is friendly and welcoming and happy to help. Networking within the company is easy and you can gain experience in many different areas should you wish to. Many employees have had a long well established career and would highly recommend the company and working here.

Be yourself at the interview and do not stress about it too much. The interviewers are very friendly and want you to be relaxed so they can see you at your best. Try to give examples of experiences they ask about and the challenges you faced and overcame, this could even by how you improved yourself during covid.