Engineering Intern - Defence Aerospace Review

The Development placement was more managing and logistics orientated, with little technical involvement, however it did provide great experience in terms of business relations and communication, presentations and planning. The Design provided excellent technical involvement, and the opportunity to present to the leadership community and to customers, and to create and manage a project plan. There were also many sub-tasks available to be involved in.

I definately felt that I was valued as a contributing member of the team, and that the fact that I was an intern was not a barrier in terms of the work they gave me and what was expected of me.

There were no occasions when I couldn't get help when I needed it.

The work-rate fluctuated therefore there were some slow days. On the whole, however, I was kept busy.

In the Development placement I wasn't given much resposibility, however since this was my first 6 month placement I would consider that fair. I did, however, have the role of chairing fortnightly meetings to review engine hardware statuses. In the Design placement, I was given more responsibility, namely coordinating between Design and Ground Support teams and managing actions, creating and maintaining a comprehensive project plan, and presenting to technical forums. The greatest responsibility I was given was to present to the US customers of the Joint Strike Fighter programme.

I think the work ethic and business skills will be more helpful than the technical skills I developed. Although I would like to have become more techincally proficient over the year, I feel that I will work much more effectively in final year.

Both programmes I worked in were busy most of the time, and there was a good atmosphere of motivation and 'getting things done.'

I applied for an Aerothermals placement, however the two placements I had did not involve any of this. I thoroughly enjoyed both placements despite this, but I'm afraid there currently seems to be little say from the intern on where to work.

Rolls-Royce has plenty of courses to attend, paid by the company, and you are encouraged to attend any which they feel will be mutually beneficial.

I would be very happy to return as a graduate. As a year long intern now going into final year, I will find out if I am offered a job or not roughly around the start of the next academic year.

Bristol has an Apprentice Association which has monthly activities subsidised by the company, such as go karting, brewery tours and paintballing.

Rent is reasonable, pubs and clubs are fairly expensive at weekends but overall fine.

Bristol has a great pub scene and some good nightclubs.

Rolls-Royce trainees can get involved in community projects such as getting schools involved in engineering competitions.