Age: 18
Title of apprenticeship: Advanced Technical Apprenticeship
Year of apprenticeship: Year 2 – 2016 intake
Why did you choose / what inspired you to become an apprentice?
I have always been interested in engineering as when I was young I always liked to build models at home and when I was in year 9 I applied for the Young Apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce. When I got accepted, I was so excited as I knew it was such an amazing opportunity. I came to Rolls-Royce once a week during my GCSEs where I completed numerous sections such as turning, electronics and welding. We also completed a BTEC level 2 with Derby College. During the Young Apprenticeship, I decided to apply for the full time Advanced Technical Apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce because I had enjoyed the Young Apprenticeship so much. I had to go through a long interview process but it was worth it as I ended up getting offered the job.
What is your favourite thing about working at Rolls-Royce?
My favourite thing about working for Rolls-Royce is being part of a global organisation. As you get the opportunity to be part of a diverse workforce with people from all over the world which I find exciting as you get the chance to understand more about different cultures. I really enjoy being able to move around different placements around the business as this gives me experience in the different areas. It also gives me the opportunity to find what work I really enjoy doing and makes me think about what I want to do in the future. I am a Test and Measurement/Experimental Apprentice therefore I get a lot of variety of work and I am not just doing the same thing every day.
Another one of my favourite things about working for Rolls-Royce is that I get involved with a lot of STEM days. I love promoting the apprenticeship and getting to talk to the young people. One of my favourite STEM days is the Big Bang Fair as I spend the day running a small activity and giving people information about the apprenticeship.
What do my family and friends think of the apprenticeship?
My family are very supportive of my apprenticeship as they know that Rolls Royce is a fantastic company to work for. They love hearing about what I get up to at work. Due to me doing an apprenticeship a couple of my friends have looked into apprenticeships and have applied and successfully been offered one.
What advice would you give to other people considering an apprenticeship?
To anyone considering doing an apprenticeship in engineering then I would definitely recommend it, as choosing the apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce is the best decision I have ever made. If you are not fully sure then I would suggest doing some work experience in the business that you are considering applying for, so that you can start to understand what the sort of work you could do and what you would want to do.
