Internship Review at Rolls-Royce

The Role

Role Description

I completed a ten week summer internship with Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace in Bristol. I was put in the helicopters section of service engineering, who deal with any engine related problems experienced by the customer. My main daily duties involved supporting the RTM322 helicopters team as well as a main project, which was to review safety related events on another helicopter engine. The work I was given was that an actual service engineer may do, meaning responsibility was given from the start. I attended meetings with chief engineers and also was given the opportunity to travel off-site for engine investigations.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

From the start of the placement I was given responsibility in the form of a main project and my other objective was to support other ongoing issues with the RTM322 engine. I attended important meetings, went off site for investigations and communicated across other departments of the company. All in all, an excellent placement with plenty of important tasks to keep occupied.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very welcoming at the start of the placement with a general introduction to the team. Everybody was extremely friendly and I felt at ease immediately. As the placment progressed, other colleagues started coming to ask questions about things they didn't know, which felt very satisfying! My tech lead on RTM322 has asked for another intern to replace me, indicating the value of a member in that team.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Whenever I needed to ask a question, my line manager was there to answer it or point me in the right direction. They made it clear that you should be asking lots of questions towards the start of the placement otherwise they think you don't understand! So questions, questions and more questions were asked.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The working hours were 8-4.30 Monday-Thursday and 8-3.30 on a friday. Generally, I always had work to do (although most of it not very stressful) and when I was running out I asked my manager to give me some more. I therefore felt I had a good balance of work throughout the ten weeks.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was responsible for reviewing safety issues, which is a very important task and affects the safety of the fleet in which the engine is flying. I was also given the task to prepare documents for meetings involving chief engineers and issuing closure statements.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

In the department of service engineering you get an understanding of the whole engine and the knowledge you learn is not very technical. Therefore, the placement will probably not help me too much in my mechanical engineering modules at University. However, I have learnt how to manage my time better and become more confident when placed in positions of responsibility.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Very relaxed project hall with service engineering having a reputation for being fairly loud! The team were always laughing and joking when possible. The open area of the office meant you could see everyone which gave a good vibe.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The first two days were inductions; one at the Civil centre in Derby and the other in Defence Aerospace Bristol. Both days were organised well and we met our line managers before starting work. We were given work from the start of the placement with no delay and our line managers seemed up to speed on us before arriving.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

If I wanted to go on a course to further my knowledge, all I had to do was ask. They do not mind spending money for courses as long as it's relevent to your job role and will benefit you for future work.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Rolls-Royce like to encourage interns and year interns to come back on the graduate scheme, as long as you don't make some terrible mistakes on the placement. There are two possible schemes to get on - the professional excellence or leadership. The pay is good for the sector and the company is renowned for being a fantastic long-term employer.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Every week there will be something going on, normally organised by the interns on email. On a friday night people normally go out clubbing. The apprentice association also organise events such as bowling, go-karting and brewery tours, all for a pretty good price.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Living in Clifton as a student at Bristol Univeristy meant the accomodation wasn't cheap - £380 pcm but the area is amazing. I know of other people that lived elsewhere for a lot cheaper - as low as £270 pcm. The cost of socialising is pretty cheap compared to London and there are plenty of good deals out there, as well as some nicer places in Clifton village.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Bristol has an amazing nightlife with clubs for everyone.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Lots of sports organised by the company and the interns often organised their own things as well. All in all, too much to choose from.

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?

no

Review 80/94 for Rolls-Royce

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