Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at Rolls-Royce
Degree Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Derby
Review Submitted: September 2023
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
Joining an quick 10-min daily meeting at the beginning of the day to catch up and get an insight on what will be occurring. Check emails, teams etc, and reply to the ones necessary. Get started on the work you will be doing i.e., projects you are working on.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Very enjoyable, always learning new skills. The balance between work and university is fine and we have dedicated time where we can spend a bit more time revising etc. In-person courses are also enjoyable as it gets you out of the office and you can learn new skills and talk to new person.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Developed my IT skills, this includes things such as outlook, teams, excel. In addition to this, some basic CAD software skills (NV) and learning how to navigate through various different software. I have become more organised, improved my time management skills, and can work under pressure now a lot better. With it being an engineering apprenticeship, I have acquired new skills in processes such as milling, turning, electrical installations, electronics, assembly, and welding.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is good, the apprenticeship consists of a level 2 (NVQ), level 4 (NVQ), and a degree, with plenty of opportunities to acquire skills such as receiving a CAD software qualification (Solid works). At points organisation could've been a little better, but this has all definitely been resolved.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
If any form of support is required, there is something that can be put in place, for e.g., if someone has a disability, personal issues, etc, there is always a person within Rolls-Royce you can speak to, and they can guide you in the right direction to find a solution.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
When completing the NVQs, there are resources available that can provide you with helpful information in order to get the correct outcome/answer. When doing any practical work, a demonstration is normally given, and if unsure on anything, asking your instructor is the best thing to do, they are always happy to help. At university, the lecturers are always happy to help with any problems regarding the module content.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Most of the aspects between university content and work link together, this definitely helps me perform better as I already have a certain degree of understanding, which results in less time having to be spent on learning new skills and taking in new information. Even if they don't link together, they will more than likely be useful at some point in the future.
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
I recently attended a 5 aside football event at work, this was very entertaining and well organised. To celebrate our achievements within a Design & Make project, our whole team of apprentices went on a lovely walk in the Peak District, this was initially meant to be a Team-Building activity at the start of the project but this changed due to some circumstances.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Rolls-Royce to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Rolls-Royce always do their best to support their employees, which so many business areas such as Aerospace, SMR, Submarines, Defence etc, your future is not set in stone, it is what you make it, there are more than enough opportunities you can take. With the apprenticeship scheme I am currently doing, you having 6 month 'placements' where you go to different business areas and work in a team, this will give you a good insight as to what roles are available for when the apprenticeship is complete.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Rolls-Royce?
Be yourself, research the company and what they do, not cars (anymore). If creating a presentation, prepare well and do it on something you are knowledgeable on or something that is exciting and avoid going for any basic topics. Review the different apprenticeships and pick the one that is most suitable for you.
