Modern Apprenticeship Programme

Rolls Wood Group was established in 1990 as a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Wood Group. The company specialises in the repair and overhaul of Rolls-Royce gas turbines.

Having established its own Engineering Training Centre in Dyce, Aberdeen, Rolls Wood Group delivers an engineering Modern Apprenticeship Programme over a four year period. This comprises of one year off-the-job training in the Training Centre Workshop facility followed by three years on-the-job training and assessment to National Occupational Standards in the respective company workshops.

Selection

Potential apprentices will first go through a series of selection tests ranging from a practical test of ability, a maths, physics and dictation test, an interview and a team challenge. After the initial selection process, successful candidates will be invited to take a second interview from which final selections will be made.

First Year Training: Off-the-job

On commencement of training (usually late July or early August each year) the apprentices will be enrolled in an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations and also a National Certificate in Mechanical Maintenance. 

Health, Safety and Environmental considerations are paramount with the company. As such the qualifications are structured to encompass this into all activities and mandatory units in this area must be achieved in the first year.

First year training is broken down into three phases:

1. Basic Hand Skills: Classroom theory covers subjects such as workshop safety, basic tooling, drilling & reaming, using precision measuring equipment, engineering materials and documentation.  Following this there is a range of workshop practical tasks in preparation for the assessed exercises.
2. Machining:  Once the theory lessons for using a Centre Lathe, Milling Machine and abrasive wheels has been completed, the apprentices will then carry out practical tasks, again followed by assessed work pieces for the SVQ and National Certificate awards.
3. Mechanical Maintenance: Classroom work for this phase covers the basic internal combustion engine before moving onto the in-depth theory behind the Gas Turbine engine. The apprentices then progress to carrying out mechanical maintenance activities on the range of workshop training engines such as the Rolls Royce Avon, Viper and Derwent.

National Certificate

Rolls Wood Group has recently been accredited to deliver the National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering by the SQA. This comprises of 12 units to make up a full NC award and will comprise one of the main components of the Modern Apprenticeship. This is achieved through a series of classroom theory lessons, exams and assessed exercises, all carried out within the Training Centre and assessed by Rolls Wood Group staff under the approval of the SQA.

Team Building

It is also during the first year that the apprentices will embark on an outward bound development week at the Abernethy Trust, Ardeonaig. This week consists of a series of mainly outdoor activities that challenge and test the apprentices in the areas of team-building and leadership.



During this week they will take part in gorge walking, low rope and high rope exercises, canoeing and many other leadership and self development tasks. This is all safely carried out under the watchful eye of a team of highly experienced and qualified Abernethy Trust centre staff.

Second, Third & Fourth Year Training: On-the-job

From the second until fourth year, apprentices will serve their time at one of the selected workshops where they will continue with the training and assessment having been enrolled on an SVQ Level 3 in their respective discipline of either Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering. Completion of this award takes place towards the end of the fourth year where they will be awarded with the Modern Apprenticeship completion certificate.

Rolls Wood Group is fully registered with SEMTA to deliver Modern Apprenticeships. Qualifications are awarded through EAL and SQA with whom the company is a recognised assessment centre. The training and assessment for these awards will be carried out by qualified Rolls Wood Group engineers based in the Training Centre which boasts a full workshop of equipment and modern classroom facility complete with IT suite.

Staff meet and greet the new intake of apprentices and their families at the Rolls Wood Group Training Centre in July 2010.

Entry Requirements

To be considered, you must:

• Have a minimum of Grade 2 in Maths and Physics and Grade 3 in English (Standard Grade)
• Be interested in a career in the field of science, engineering or technology
• Be dedicated to a four year period of on- and off-the-job training and education
• Possess a can-do approach and show initiative and drive to be successful

The closing date for 2013 has now passed. Details on how to apply for next year will be posted on our website in January 2014.