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Find some frequently asked questions for you if you would like to apply to the graduate, engineering apprentice or accounting technician programmes.
What do we mean when we say ‘graduate’?
If you’re studying for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate, or you hold one or more of these qualifications, you are – to us – a graduate.
I’m not an EU national and will need a work permit – can you help?
If we make you an offer, we’ll help you obtain a work permit. Rolls-Royce is a global company and it's in our interests to have a range of people from different backgrounds. Some of our sites have areas of restricted access for non-UK nationals but you won’t find this a major obstacle.
Rolls-Royce is an A-rated Sponsor under Tier 2 of the UK Immigration Points Based System (PBS). If you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK, or would like further information on the PBS, enter the UK Border Agency’s website.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Due to the volume of applications we receive, unfortunately feedback cannot be given on an individual basis unless you are invited to an assessment centre.
If you’re joining the Professional Excellence programme, your starting salary will be £25, 500 (plus a £2,000 joining bonus). The starting salary for the Leadership Development programme is £28, 000 (plus a £3,000 joining bonus).
The starting salary for Interns and Summer Interns is £17,850.
How can I join Rolls-Royce if the graduate development programme isn’t for me?
We sometimes have other openings for graduates, as well as places on intensive training schemes focused on preparing you for a specific role. Please go to Search & apply for jobs for more information.
I'm thinking of taking a year out after university. Can I delay my start with you?
We may be able to defer your offer, depending on our business plans and your reasons for wanting to defer.
Will you pay my expenses if I come to an assessment centre?
Yes, we’ll reimburse any reasonable travelling expenses.
Do you offer financial sponsorship?
We don’t sponsor university students, but if you join us as an intern and are then accepted onto our graduate development programme, we’ll give you a final year bursary of £1,500.
What will my holiday entitlement be?
At least 33 days a year, including 8 statutory holidays.
Will you help me gain qualifications?
Rolls-Royce is very keen on professional development and many of our employees are supported through higher education. This means we may give you financial help, but it will depend on how your studies will benefit you and us.
What can I expect the dress code to be?
This depends on where you work. It varies from our Rolls-Royce polo shirt to standard business wear.
After the training programme will I be guaranteed a job at Rolls-Royce?
You are employed as a full time employee from day one. It is very unlikely that a job would not be available at the end of your programme, but, if that situation did arise, our normal re-deployment procedures would apply.
Do you take non-engineers on the graduate engineering programmes?
We take a small number of mathematicians and physicists and people from other scientific backgrounds on to our engineering programmes.
Will you help me relocate?
We offer information and guidance on local accommodation at most of our main sites, but no financial assistance.
Can you help me find somewhere to live?
Most of the main sites keep information on local accommodation. For summer interns, we usually make arrangements with the local college or university for reasonably priced short-term accommodation.
What is the closing date for applications?
We don’t have a specific closing date. We fill places on our programmes as soon as we find the right candidates.
I applied last year, can I apply again?
If your CV has improved, please do.
What if I am on holiday on the interview dates?
We’ll usually offer you alternative days, but sometimes this isn’t possible.
How long does the summer internship last?
Generally, 10 weeks during the university summer break.
At what stage of my degree should I apply for a summer internship?
In at least your second year of study.
Will you be visiting my university in the near future?
Please see our Events section for information.
How many people are you recruiting this year?
A total of approximately 300 graduates.
I am an Undergraduate in my first year, can I apply for an Internship?
We are looking for candidates at least in their second year of study.
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You should apply online
When should I apply for an apprenticeship?
This will vary depending on the site you're interested in. Please check in our Search for jobs section for information on when vacancies are open, or register to be notified when new vacancies arise.
What qualifications do I need?
In England, you need to have (or expect to get) at least four GCSE at Grade D or above (Grade C or above for technical apprenticeships) or Standard Grade 3 in Maths, English, Science and at least one other subject (preferably something technical like Design and Technology).
In Scotland, you need to have Standard Grade Band Three, Intermediate 2 Grade A-C or Intermediate 1 Grade A in Maths, English and a relevant technical subject (such as Craft & Design or Engineering Skills for Work) or a relevant science subject (such as Physics or Chemistry) plus one other qualification. Other qualifications, such as SQA National Certificates, Scottish Vocational Qualifications or Higher National Certificates in engineering disciplines are also fine.
We’ll also consider you if you hold relevant GNVQs, BTecs or overseas qualifications.
Whatever your qualifications, you must convince us that you want an engineering career. Maybe you tinker with cars, pushbikes or motorcycles, have done an engineering project in school or belong to an engineering club. Whatever it is, we need to know that you've thought things through and are pretty sure engineering is right for you.
What particular qualities do I need?
We’re very, very keen to take on people who love working as a team. You’ll notice when you walk in that, despite the size of our company, we all enjoy working with others. So, we’ll be interested in how you’ve worked in a group, whether that’s at school, with your family, in a sports team, at work, in voluntary organisations, such as the Guides, Scouts or Cadets, or as part of religious or community activities.
How long is an apprenticeship?
It depends on how soon it is before you’re ready to match the work of the people who’ve gone through the apprenticeship before you - usually around three and a half years.
You can be any age over 16. But, before you apply, please make sure you read our Apprentice section thoroughly, so that you know whether it’s right for you. It’s probably also be worth you taking a look at the other opportunities we have available at Rolls-Royce.
We’ll try to make sure you go to a college near where you live, so that travelling is easy. This means you won't always be studying with all the other Rolls-Royce apprentices, but will meet people from other companies.
It’s difficult to be specific here, because each UK site has different pay rates, but you’re likely to start on £140 to £180 per week. This will rise to something like £250- £290 per week in your third year.
Will I be working on my own or in teams?
You will almost certainly always be working as part of a team. During the first part of an apprenticeship, when you're learning basic engineering skills, there will be times when you're doing a piece of work on your own, but there will always be other people around.
Again, this varies according to where you work, but it will be at least 33 days in total, including statutory holidays.
In your first year, when you’re learning basic engineering skills, you'll be in a workshop. During that time, we’ll provide you with overalls, safety shoes and safety spectacles, in accordance with health and safety regulations.
After that, if you're working in a shop floor environment, you'll still need to work in the same sort of gear. If you're in an office, you might be asked to wear a Rolls-Royce polo shirt with smart trousers or a skirt, or normal business wear.
As a trainee, it's unlikely you will be asked to work overtime. Occasionally, during the later stages of your training, there may be a specific business reason for you to work additional hours, but we’d tell you beforehand.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Due to the volume of applications we receive, unfortunately feedback cannot be given on an individual basis unless you are invited to an assessment centre.
Back to top | Back to FAQs home
You should apply online
When do I apply for an apprenticeship?
This will vary depending on the site you're interested in. Check in the Search for jobs section for information on when vacancies are open, or register to be notified when new vacancies arise.
What qualifications do I need?
You need to hold (or expect to get) at least two A Levels at Grade C or above, preferably in Maths, Business Studies or Economics, and to have five GCSEs at Grades A-C, including Maths and English. (We will consider equivalent qualifications.)
What particular qualities do I need?
We’re very, very keen to take on people who love working as a team. You’ll notice when you walk in that, despite the size of our company, we all enjoy working with others. So, we’ll be interested in how you’ve worked in a group, whether that’s at school, with your family, in a sports team, at work, in voluntary organisations, such as the Guides, Scouts or Cadets, or as part of religious or community activities.
How long will I be an Accounting Technician?
The programme lasts two years.
What age do I have to be?
You can be any age over 16. But, before you apply, please make sure you read our Apprentice section thoroughly, so you know whether it is right for you and may also be worth you taking a look at the other opportunities we have available at Rolls-Royce.
You’ll be based in Derby but study in Nottingham.
You will start on around £12,000 per annum.
Will I be working on my own or in teams?
You will almost certainly always be working as part of a team.
Again, this varies according to where you work, but it will be at least 33 days in total, including statutory holidays.
You’ll be expected to dress smartly but you won’t have to wear a suit.
As a trainee, it's unlikely you will be asked to work overtime. Occasionally, during the later stages of your training, there may be a specific business reason for you to work additional hours, but we’d tell you beforehand.
