Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub · Article.
ROLLS-ROYCE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME 2020: APPRENTICE PROFILES
10.02.2020 Press Release
Graduate Mike was looking for a career change that would give him new skills and personal development opportunities. One of his biggest challenges when he first joined the Leathershop was making the transition from a desk job to working with his hands. That process was made much easier with the support of his colleagues, whom he now describes as ‘an extended family’.
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Andrew Ball
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
MIKE ELDERS: LEATHERSHOP
Graduate Mike was looking for a career change that would give
him new skills and personal development opportunities. One of his
biggest challenges when he first joined the Leathershop was making the
transition from a desk job to working with his hands. That process was
made much easier with the support of his colleagues, whom he now
describes as ‘an extended family’.
Mike has also enjoyed forming connections across different
departments within Rolls-Royce, which has enabled him to pick up
additional skills and knowledge outside his immediate work
environment. Looking back over his time as an Apprentice, he can see
just how far he’s come and the changes he’s undergone, both personally
and professionally. Above all, he has come to appreciate the unique
culture and attitude of the people he works with at Rolls-Royce, and
would definitely recommend the programme to friends and family.
KATIE HOOD: LEATHERSHOP
Katie was already working at Rolls-Royce as a sewing associate
when she found out about the Apprenticeship Programme. She saw it as a
great opportunity to develop her existing skills; the combination of
practical training and vocational education at the local college has
helped her gain a broader and deeper understanding of her role. Every
day brings a new experience, and she says that the time seems to have
flown by.
Through her Apprenticeship, Katie has also developed her
self-confidence and belief in her own abilities. As she’s become more
comfortable with her surroundings and her own place in the team, she’s
been able to put herself forward and take on additional
responsibilities. She believes an Apprenticeship has given her more
opportunities than she would have enjoyed had she gone to university.
ANNA FLYNN: LEATHERSHOP
Anna initially thought she’d like to be a freelance
photographer; but faced with the realities of that highly competitive,
unpredictable and precarious world, she had a change of heart. She
also wanted to learn as many new skills as she could while she was
still young. When her twin brother began his Apprenticeship at
Rolls-Royce, she decided that, as someone who loves all things
automotive, it was the right path for her, too, and successfully applied.
Anna’s greatest challenge was making the leap from school to
working in a professional environment, but she embraced it knowing
there would always be someone to help her. She loves being able to
work with her hands to create beautiful pieces of upholstery; seeing
the finished product gives her a tremendous feeling of satisfaction
and accomplishment. Her time as an Apprentice has given her a real
sense of responsibility and pride in being part of the team, which she
hopes to join permanently once she completes her training.
BRADLEY ‘BRAD’ SMITH: ASSEMBLY PLANNER
A lifelong car enthusiast and motorsport fan, Brad
knew he wanted to pursue a career in the automotive industry. A degree
in mechanical engineering seemed the logical choice; but Brad, who was
already working part-time as a mechanic for a road-racing team, wanted
to get hands-on. The Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Programme was the
perfect opportunity to immerse himself in the industry, develop his
skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world he loves.
Brad has enjoyed himself enormously working as an Assembly
Planner. He relishes the sheer diversity of the tasks that come his
way every day, each bringing new challenges and experiences to learn
from. He particularly appreciates the constant support from his
colleagues, who he says are always willing to help him out with advice
and suggestions.
SIRAHEI ‘SERJ’ DANILEVICH: ASSEMBLY
Serj was part-way through his engineering degree when he decided
he wanted to explore other options. He heard about the Rolls-Royce
Apprenticeship Programme at a careers event, and was captivated by the
thought of entering the marque’s unique world and culture.
Serj describes working at Rolls-Royce as fun and challenging.
With two years of his Apprenticeship remaining, Serj is taking every
opportunity to learn as many different skills and see as many parts of
the production process as possible. He loves working with his hands on
the cars themselves, and takes great pride in seeing the fruits of his
labours when they roll off the production line.
OLIVER ‘OLI’ GERMAIN: ASSEMBLY
After his GCSEs, Oli was looking at college courses but nothing
felt quite right. When he came across the Apprenticeship Programme at
Rolls-Royce, with its combination of practical training and formal
qualifications, he knew he had found his answer.
The balance of college and work life has proved perfect for Oli.
A passionate automotive enthusiast, he loves working directly with the
cars and has a great sense of pride working for Rolls-Royce. He’s also
been able to put some of his new skills to good use outside work,
where he’s currently restoring his beloved Series III Land Rover. He’s
keen to remain with Rolls-Royce once he’s completed his
Apprenticeship, and has ambitions to move up the leadership ladder
into a managerial role.
AARON SMITH: ASSEMBLY
Aaron had always wanted to work in engineering. Searching for
jobs online, he came across an advert for the Rolls-Royce
Apprenticeship Programme and decided this would be the perfect
opportunity to get into his chosen field.
Aaron has used his time as an Apprentice to expand his
understanding of the automotive industry, as well as developing and
honing his practical skills. These include important broader life
skills, such as managing his time and working to a tight schedule. He
is also really enjoying being back at college and gaining new,
relevant knowledge to support his day-to-day work.
CARLA LEMOS DE VILHERA: WOODSHOP
Carla was already working at Rolls-Royce when her managers
suggested she consider applying for the Apprenticeship Programme.
She’s very glad she took their advice. As an Apprentice, Carla has
been on a journey that’s taken in all the different departments within
the production process, giving her insights into all every aspect of
building the best car in the world.
Carla is dedicated to her work and open to trying as many
different things as possible – among her highlights so far has been
spending time in the Woodshop working with trim. She sees every day as
an opportunity to learn and enjoys the support of her colleagues and supervisors.