Placement Year Review at Rolls-Royce

The Role

Role Description

For the first 6 months, I was working in Component Design, to redesign a component for a military engine.
For the second 6 months, I was a Systems Design Engineer managing the Safety Alerts raised within the business.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The placement was a really good opportunity to see two very different aspects of Engineering. The first was more design-orientated, the second was more managerial.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The team ethos was really strong in both my placements. There is lots of help and support available when things get tough.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

At R-R you are very much encouraged to manage your own time and tasks. There is noone "breathing down your neck" the whole time checking progress; you are expected to monitor this yourself. Nonetheless, both my managers were happy to support when it was needed.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

In the first placement, which was component design, I was left to manage the task myself. I set my own plan and only reported progress every month or so. This really helped me develop my independent working. There was plenty of work available if I wanted it.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

In my second placement, I was given way more responsibility, and even had a team of 5 subcontractors to manage at one point. This was quite daunting, but also a really useful experience in to hone my managerial skills.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I learnt loads that I wouldn't have learnt in my degree. The day-to-day problem-solving is perhaps the most useful thing I've learnt; something you aren't necessarily taught in your degree.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Depending on where you're based within the business, the team ethos can vary quite a lot. There are always lots of social events organised by the apprentice association though; a committee which is partially funded by R-R, which raises money for charity and organises loads of social events.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

HR can sometimes seem a bit distant, especially during the application phase. However, once you start they are really helpful and offer advice on any issues such as tax, pay and bonuses.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was booked onto a lot of training courses, which although may not be very transferrable outside R-R, will certainly help me to progress my career within the company.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Plenty of job security, and lots of opportunities to those who are eager enough to look them out. Although I'm not sure if I always want to work within a large organisation, the short-term prospects are excellent.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There are loads of other interns and graduates who are always organising nights outs etc. It's a really social placement

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Filton is a very cheap part of Bristol to live in. The main city centre is more expensive, but there's loads of exciting things going on there.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Bristol has some excellent nightlife, although you have to get a taxi/bus from Filton (where R-R is based)

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The Apprentice Association are really good at organising events at discounted rates.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

The perks of the job at R-R are really good. The hours are flexible and you are given the space and freedom to manage your own time and set your own work. It's good that they place so much trust in the individual.

If you haven't worked at a large company before, the atmosphere and culture can be a bit of a shock. Once you get used to it though, it's really good that you can find your own way through the company and develop your skills and career. There are so many opportunities, you'll always find a role you can get really stuck into.

Review 66/94 for Rolls-Royce

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