Technical Engineering Apprentice Review
at Roke
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Romsey
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
Roke's a contractor that does lots of projects and we are able to move between them. Hence work's varied. Examples of tasks include meetings, writing computer code (usually Python), training (Roke places a high value on this), and other activities.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Roke keeps apprentices busy and there's a lot to learn. I've enjoyed it so far. The company is really interested in us learning and developing skills which is great for early career especially.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
New and existing skills have been learned and developed. When we joined, Roke immediately put us on a three month training program designed to teach us technical and soft-skills. Some examples of technical skills that have been learned since include:
- MySQL
- PHP
- Using Linux
And plenty of other stuff
- MySQL
- PHP
- Using Linux
And plenty of other stuff
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Roke's apprenticeship scheme is supported by Winchester Uni. The Uni introduces much of the structure to the program. HR does also have someone responsible for this. I can't think of any improvements so 10/10
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lots. My line manager's really helpful and we have a weekly meeting for about an hour. The resourcing team helps keep us busy and tries to get us on projects.
Roke's also been supportive with regards to us doing the degree part of the apprenticeship
Roke's also been supportive with regards to us doing the degree part of the apprenticeship
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Winchester Uni teaches the modules and the module tutors can be contacted if we have any questions. They've been good. Lectures are recorded so they can be rewatched.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Many of the modules are business focused rather than technical focused. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The technical module 'Introduction to Software Design and Development' has been fantastic. The module 'Information Systems' has been helpful also but not quite as much. The perceived relevance of different modules vary.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are. Some of these are organised by individuals and others are organised by the Roke Manor Sports and Social Club. There's much less going on since COVID-19 though. Employee resource groups are active still.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Roke to a friend?
Yes
Why?
- Enjoyable place to work
- Pleasant working environment. You can go for a walk in the countryside at lunch.
- Big on training up staff which is great in early career.
- Apprentices are paid well
- Lots of variety of work
- Pleasant working environment. You can go for a walk in the countryside at lunch.
- Big on training up staff which is great in early career.
- Apprentices are paid well
- Lots of variety of work
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Roke?
Don't bluff at the interview. I did this a bit but didn't realise I was talking to someone who was a subject expert.
