Why did you choose / what inspired you to become an apprentice?
When I was young I loved to build solar powered robots and solder electronic circuits. Engineering was a natural career path for me, and when I was in Year 9 I applied for the Young Apprenticeship Scheme at Rolls-Royce. I was so excited when I got accepted to be given such an amazing opportunity. I came to Rolls-Royce once a week during my GCSEs, and I developed skills such as such as turning, electronics and welding. I also completed a BTEC Level 2 with Derby College. I enjoyed the Young Apprenticeship so much that I decided to apply for the full time Advanced Technical Apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce, and am currently on this scheme.
What is your favourite thing about working at Rolls-Royce?
Working for Rolls-Royce means being part of a global organisation, part of a diverse workforce with people from all over the world, and getting the chance to understand more about different cultures. I love moving around different placements in the business and gaining experience in different areas, which makes me think about what I want to do in the future.
As a Rolls-Royce Apprentice, I get involved with many STEM outreach activities. One of my favourite STEM days is the Big Bang Fair as I spend the day running a small activity where the children design their own STEM bag and I talk to them about the apprenticeship.
What do my family and friends think of the apprenticeship?
My family love hearing about what I get up to at work. I talk about the apprenticeship to my friends as well, and a couple have since applied and successfully been offered a place on the scheme.
What advice would you give to other people considering an apprenticeship?
If you are interested in apprenticeships 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. Choosing the apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce is one of the best decisions I have made, and I am excited about my future career in the industry.