Mechanical Degree Apprentice Review
at Rolls-Royce
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Derby
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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:
4/5
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.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
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.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
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.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
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.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
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.
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
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.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Rolls-Royce to a friend?
Yes
Why?
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.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Rolls-Royce?
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.
