Industrial Trainee (Special Processes) Review

Thoroughly enjoyable. The office spirit was 'fun but productive'. There are over 100 other interns/graduates on the Derby site, making it easy to relax at weekends.

I fully integrated with my team. They took care of me in office politics situations and also were good to chat through during the day.

I had some guidance from my supervisor though I mainly went about acheiving my goals indepedently as he did not always have the time to give to supporting me.

I was very busy most of the time but I did feel productive. I learnt to turn down work when I was overloaded. It is only ok to commit to as much work as you can manage!

I ran my own projects with my own budgets. I had to make many of my own contacts though I had some help from my supervisor for setting up some parts of the project.

My time management skills have developed exceptionally. I am a confident speaker at meetings and during presentations. I will be able to manage my university workload much better having now had to manage an excessively busy working year. I have also completed my hydrofluoric acid trainig and worked with hydrofluoric acid, showing my safety skills in the laboratory.

Fun is there if you go out of your way to find it. There was an office cake break every month which was specifically for socialising with colleagues. People were generally friendly though everyone is always busy!

The recruitment process for me was vey fast - it only took 3 days from me applying to having my interview and only a week from then for me to have an offer. The assessment centres are tough but fair. My main criticism is that I was only told which city I would be in 10 days before my placement was due to start, making accomodation troublesome.

I had formal training in hydrofluoric acid which was specific to my chemistry projects. I was given induction days in the first week and within the first month or so we had our holistic gas turbine course. A 2 day HGT course was not avaiable for interns. Graduates get this opportunity.

I can accept a job for the Professional Excellence scheme when I leave the company providing my final review goes well (which it should do). I would need to re-apply for the leadership scheme though I suspect I would have a good chance. Rolls Royce HR do keep record of your acheivements to show your employability.

Many interns and graduates available at weekends.

Derby is fairly cheap. You can find good accomodation for relatively cheap prices.

The nightlife is OK but to be honest - check out the wildlife and peak district.

Yes. I was a part of the Rolls Royce Brass Band. I also went to the RR gym. I joined the local boxing club. There are all sort of sports and activities - don't let other interns tell you otherwise! Just get out and find them!