Non-destructive testing engineer degree apprentice Review
at Rolls-Royce
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Derby
Review Submitted: February 2021
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
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.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
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.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
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.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
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.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
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.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
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.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Rolls-Royce to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Rolls-Royce has been a fantastic company to work for and has provided world class training and experience throughout my course.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Rolls-Royce?
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?
