ROLLS-ROYCE MARKS NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK WITH SPECIAL ALUMNI EVENT

• Rolls-Royce holds special event to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week
• First event for newly formed Apprentice Alumni group
• Important networking opportunity for Apprentices from past and present cohorts
• Guests included Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester
• Application window for 2025 Rolls-Royce Apprenticeships remains open until 31 March

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the skilled workforce of the future. The combination of hands-on training, work experience and nationally recognised qualifications provides a fantastic pathway to a fulfilling career for young people seeking alternatives to conventional further and higher education. This event, the first of its kind we’ve organised, recognised the immense contribution of our former Apprentices, who’ve gone on to become leaders, innovators and role models here at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It’s been a real pleasure to invite them to share their experiences and insights – particularly the importance of fostering connections, building networks and exchanging ideas – with the next generation of Apprentices through their new Alumni Network. We are incredibly proud of them, and we look forward to seeing this Network grow and develop.”
Mark Adams, Director of Human Resources, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked National Apprenticeship Week [10-16 February 2025] by inviting alumni from its own highly regarded apprenticeship scheme to a special event at Goodwood on Friday 14 February, an occasion that also marked the first event for Rolls-Royce’s newly formed Apprentice Alumni group.

As well as catching up with old friends and former colleagues, the alumni met and shared experiences with current Apprentices, introducing them to the network group they have established to help apprentices at all stages and levels form connections across the business.

The Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Scheme has been running since 2006 and is one of the most prestigious and highly sought-after in the UK. At present, 95 young people are combining practical training at Goodwood with study for nationally recognised qualifications, including NVQs and degrees, with local further and higher education partners. On completing their programme, which runs for between two and four years, some may be offered further higher-level training, or a permanent position with the company; others choose to use their skills and experience to pursue opportunities in other industries and settings. The team at Goodwood currently includes 133 staff, some now at supervisory and management level, who began their careers as Apprentices.

This special event celebrated the contribution of the many former apprentices who mentor and support those who have followed them onto the programme. They are enthusiastic ambassadors and advocates for the value of Apprenticeships and the unique experience they provide. They are also the foundation of a network that all Apprentices are encouraged to be part of, through which they make business-wide connections and friendships that prove invaluable in their everyday work and career development. This process begins even before they start their training at Goodwood, with an outdoor adventure break alongside their counterparts from other sites across the BMW Group.

Among the guests was Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester since July 2024. Commenting during the event, she said: “Apprenticeships play a key role in making careers accessible to those who choose not to pursue a traditional route in an education setting. It was wonderful to be a part of the celebration of apprentices, past and present, at Rolls Royce and see the passion and enthusiasm for the endless opportunities provided to those seeking a career in the company. I was particularly inspired by the young women who are exploring a career in manufacturing, supported and mentored by other women who have been through the apprenticeship programme."

Apprenticeships form an essential component of the Rolls-Royce Future Talent Programme, which also includes Internships for undergraduates and a Graduate scheme for those who have completed their degree.

The application window for the 2025 Apprenticeship programme is open until 31 March 2025. Applications are welcome from young people with a wide range of prior experience, interests and educational backgrounds. Most Apprenticeships will begin in August 2025, with opportunities available in a range of specialisms and at levels from NVQ Level 2 (two years, GCSE equivalent) to Level 6 (four years, equivalent to undergraduate degree). Applications can be made online, with open roles available to view on the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars careers portal.