Rolls-Royce Switch Programme - Derby - UK

Duration: 4 years

Starting salary: Competitive

Location: Derby

Are you looking for something different? Have you ever considered what it takes to assemble aerospace engines or make parts using the latest manufacturing technology and processes? Perhaps you’ve never thought this type of work was for you? It’s time to change that thinking – and invest in your future with Switch.

On this career development programme, you’ll get our full support and expert training to discover what we know you’re capable of. Along with the qualifications and confidence to become an Aerospace Fitter or Machinist in our state-of-the-art facilities, you could be earning a salary of over £37,000 at the end of four years.

It doesn’t matter what qualifications you have, where you’re working now, or if life has taken you in a different direction. Because the essential skills you need, you probably already use them every day. Everything else, we’re here to show you.

So, if you like the idea of a job that gives you fantastic colleagues, great long-term progression, and the opportunity to play a part in our world-leading work – it’s time to Switch.

Is this programme for you?

Yes, if you’re the kind of person who:

• likes to get hands on and do practical tasks

• uses their initiative and can organise their time

• is good at problem solving

• works really well in a team.

This programme requires hard work and lots of learning. If you’re offered a place, we’ll support you to achieve the equivalent of a GCSE in Maths and English.

So, while you may not have achieved a grade C in these GCSEs (or O-Levels/CSESs) when you were at school (or it’s been a while since you got them), we’re looking for people who are capable and committed to learning at this level.

What’s more important than anything, however, is an interest in the work we do and an eagerness to develop.

What you’ll do

Through Switch you’ll train in one of two roles – and you’ll get to experience them both before you decide which is for you. Forget what you think you know about ‘factory’ environments. At Rolls-Royce, our facilities are open and modern – spaces you’ll enjoy being in every day. 

• Aerospace Fitter: Learn to assemble aircraft engines using a range of tools and technical instructions. It’ll be your job to make sure components and the way they’re assembled meet the high standards we demand.

• Machinist: This is precision work, making components from specialist materials using world-class machinery. Measuring and checking they’re exactly right for our requirements too.

How it works

Year one

For the first few weeks, you’ll get to know Rolls-Royce and the people who’ll be with you throughout your programme. This includes a mentor and your fellow ‘Switchers’. From there, you’ll split your time each week as follows.

• Up to three days at one of our Derby sites learning from colleagues.

• Two days at our Learning & Development Centre in Derby, where you’ll attend classes, develop your digital skills, and practice using tools that will help you achieve a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship qualification.

• Where required, you’ll start some of your days (07:45–09:15) at Derby College, studying and improving your skills in Maths and/or English.

Year two

You’ll choose to train as either an Aerospace Fitter or Machinist. You will spend up to two days a week at our Learning & Development Centre where you will continue to develop both your academic knowledge and practical skills.

The rest of your week will be spent on site at a Rolls-Royce facility, developing your workplace skills and working on parts that go into our world-class aircraft engines. You’ll get half a day each week to meet with your mentor, discuss your progress, work on personal skills, and get any extra support you need to succeed.

Year three and four

You’ll work four days a week on site in your role, learning on the job. One day a week will be spent at our Learning & Development Centre, studying the academic qualifications required for your Level 3 apprenticeship.

What you’ll get

• Expert training and recognised qualifications

At the end of four years, you’ll have a Level 3 apprenticeship and more. And if you don’t have them already, we’ll help you achieve a functional skill in Maths and/or English.

• A career you can progress in

After four years, you’ll be earning a competitive salary. Plus, working at one of the world’s leading engineering companies opens up many opportunities. From an Aerospace Fitter or Machinist, you could progress to become a production leader, for example, or perhaps explore other areas of engineering.

• Plenty of support throughout

Alongside your mentor, managers, teammates, and a community of ‘Switchers’, there are many other sources of support for you to tap into. Everything from our employee networks to our Mental Health and Wellbeing Champions, to the hundreds of other skills you can learn independently through our online tools.

Some of the other benefits include:

• annual pay rises and pension scheme

• 33 days’ holiday per year (including bank holidays)

• a choice of voluntary benefits including discounted healthcare and free digital GP, dental care, life insurance, discounts at nationwide stores, gyms, Cycle to Work scheme, and more all available on our TotalReward portal

• an independent, 24-hour, confidential counselling service

How to apply

You don’t need a CV. Just click apply and complete our online application. It’s a simple form that asks about you – your interests, life experiences and what you enjoy. You can find some more detail here .

Who we are

Rolls-Royce develops safety critical, complex power, and propulsion solutions for use in the air, at sea, and on land. We’ve designed the world’s most efficient large aero engine, powered nuclear submarines, enabled land-speed records, and even supported NASA missions on the edge of space. Join us and be welcomed into a friendly, inclusive culture. A place where you can be your best and feel like you belong.

Find out more and apply at careers.rolls-royce.com

We recruit, select, and develop our people on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, race/colour/nationality/ethnic or national origins, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable legislation.

Closing Date: May 31st at 12:00pm