After finishing his GCSEs, Mike was
passionate about working on the best cars in the world and was keen to
begin an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce. Mike is now studying for a
Diploma in Engineering at Chichester College as well as working at
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars one day a week.
MICHAEL (‘MIKE’) SADLER: ASSEMBLY
MICHAEL SADLER, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
After finishing his GCSEs, Mike was passionate about working on
the best cars in the world and was keen to begin an apprenticeship at
Rolls-Royce. Mike is now studying for a Diploma in Engineering at
Chichester College as well as working at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars one
day a week.
Currently working on the installation of components located
beneath the car, Mike is also keen to learn skills from other areas of
the manufacturing plant and this allows him to transfer these skills
to his practical work at college. Mike is looking forward to spending
more time at the Home of Rolls‑Royce at Goodwood, to develop his
skills further as he progresses through his apprenticeship.
Mike took part in a team bonding trip to Devon last year,
getting to know other apprentices and developing the relationship further.
HANNAH BANYARD:
ASSEMBLY
HANNAH BANYARD, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
After spending time as a teaching assistant in a
special needs school, Hannah decided that a career change was just
what she needed. She started applying for apprenticeships focusing on
her passion for cars. Hannah’s Grandad was delighted that she had
decided to work at the prestigious Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as she had
learnt her engineering skills from him at a young age.
The ability for real ‘hands-on experience’ was a huge attraction
for Hannah and she is currently helping to building the tail gate for
the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, even being given the responsibility to
support others at her work station.
Working at The Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood is inspiring for
Hannah. The opportunity to walk in every day and be surrounded by the
incredible colours and sights of the best cars in the world is
immensely motivating.
Hannah is hoping to continue in her football career with the
Rolls-Royce staff football team. She previously played at Chelsea FC’s
Centre of Excellence, making several junior team appearances and
scoring goals.
FREDDIE STEEL: LEATHERSHOP
FREDDIE STEEL, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
After struggling to get on with A-Levels, Freddie
decided that an apprenticeship was the way forward. Looking online, he
decided that Rolls-Royce was the only option. On hearing that he is
now working at Rolls-Royce, Freddie’s friends were very impressed.
The apprenticeship has already given Freddie the opportunity to
work around the business in a number of roles. This has allowed him to
develop his skills, particularly in areas where he has had no previous experience.
His proudest achievement to date is working with a team on
production car seats. Working with the finest materials and given the
responsibility to work on the end-product has proven to be very
rewarding. Freddie is looking to develop his career at Rolls-Royce
further upon completion of his apprenticeship.
GEORGINA HEATH: LEATHERSHOP
GEORGINA HEATH, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Georgina’s previous experience couldn’t be any
further from the world of luxury motor cars. She ran a livery yard in
the local area, and despite her family history in the agricultural
industry, she was looking for a new direction in her career.
She worked alongside a saddler in her previous job and was
inspired to extend her knowledge and skills with leather. Rolls-Royce
was one of the few companies that provided her with the opportunity to
work with the finest materials in the world and she soon found out
that car leather is very different to saddle leather. Georgina is
planning on using these new skills to develop her career further at
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
LUCY HARRIS: LEATHERSHOP
LUCY HARRIS, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Lucy was looking for something to do upon completing her
A-Levels; University wasn’t for her and she was looking to work in
textiles. The Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Programme was recommended by
school teachers. It was clear that, once she had done some research,
Rolls‑Royce was the only place to go. For someone interested in
textiles, working with the very best materials in the world and with
industry leading research and development, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
provided an excellent opportunity.
Lucy is currently working on door assembly and covering,
learning how each individual piece is handcrafted and developed before
being assembled in the final car. The responsibility given to
apprentices is highly rewarding, with Lucy playing an active role in
the team and working in a team on production vehicles. Lucy will next
be working with planning colleagues to explore how the team behind the
scenes supports production.
MIA HYNDMAN: LEATHERSHOP
MIA HYNDMAN, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Mia has been working on cars from a young age with
her father, passing him the tools as he worked on the car. She also
used to make advent calendars with her mother so she has always been
‘hands on’. After leaving school and heading into an administration
job, Mia realised that she had to get back to working with her hands.
She made the bold decision to move down from Liverpool to join the
team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Being able to develop her skills and then put them into practice
at college has proven very rewarding. This has led to larger scale
college projects such as creating a headboard. Mia is looking forward
to developing her skills even further, getting the opportunity to work
in various departments as she develops her career at Rolls-Royce.
CLARE HOWIESON: LEATHERSHOP
CLARE HOWIESON, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Clare has a varied history in the textiles industry,
working as a textiles designer and then owning a local shop. Looking
for a change in direction she searched for apprenticeship
opportunities at her local college and was recommended Rolls-Royce as
a local employer that could expand and develop her skillset. Clare has
always been a ‘petrol head’ so the opportunity to work for Rolls‑Royce
Motor Cars and work with the best cars in the world was too good to
turn down.
Clare still can’t quite believe that she actually gets to come
into work every week alongside such beautiful motor cars. Everyone is
always so enthusiastic when she discusses her job role and she is now
the envy of many. Clare was delighted to be assigned work on the
Bespoke side of the business, learning her trade amongst some of the
finest craftsmen and women in the world. Clare said, “Having a company
spend so much time and investment in your development is hugely
rewarding for anyone looking to do an apprenticeship”.
AMMAR SUNDERLAND:
ASSEMBLY
AMMAR SUNDERLAND, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Ammar started his career working on the London
Underground and was recommended the Apprenticeship Programme by an
employee of Rolls-Royce. He has found the Programme to be very
rewarding with real ‘hands on’ experience with the ‘best cars in the
world’. Ammar was keen to work in the automotive industry and when he
heard about the opportunity at Rolls-Royce, there was only going to be
one role he wanted.
Currently working in the ‘marriage’ area, Ammar is given the
important role of ensuring the body of the car and the engine become
one. This area requires real responsibility and trust in the
apprentice performing the role. One aspect that Ammar loves about his
role is that it is the first stage where you can start to see the
finished product.
The opportunities afforded to apprentices is a key reason why
Ammar chose Rolls-Royce and he is keen to make the most of these and
develop his career further with the company. Ammar commented, “It’s
great that Rolls-Royce gives me the opportunity to be the best that I
can be”.
WILLIAM BEVAN:
ASSEMBLY
WILLIAM BEVAN, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
William finished his A-Levels and decided that
university wasn’t for him, after doing some research he decided that
an apprenticeship was the best opportunity to learn new skills as well
as starting his career at the same time. As a car lover, William
would often spot the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood on his way to
track days at Goodwood. It was at this stage that a career at
Rolls‑Royce became an aspiration.
William is particularly proud of working in a team on production
cars and helping to fit a windscreen was a particularly important
moment. William was also one part of the team that worked on Cullinan,
Rolls-Royce’s first SUV, before it was launched to the public.
ELSIE-ROSE ROBBINS: ASSEMBLY
ELSIE-ROSE ROBBINS, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Elsie already had experience at Rolls-Royce Motor
Cars before applying for an apprenticeship. She has a relative who
works in Quality Management and secured work experience for a week the
previous summer. This experience was enough to know that she wanted
the opportunity to develop her career at Rolls-Royce.
Elsie is currently working on dashboards and this provides the
opportunity to work on the world renowned famous clocks and technical
instruments that go into a Rolls-Royce. Working alongside world famous
cars at the global headquarters is incredibly motivating for anyone
working at Rolls-Royce and Elsie advises that she has been “in awe of
the place” since day one.
CALUM RAFFERTY: WOODSHOP
CALLUM RAFFERTY, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
After finishing his GCSEs, Callum was unsure what to
do next. He knew Rolls-Royce offered a world class Apprenticeship
Programme but never thought he would be lucky enough to get a place.
He attended a careers talk at his school to find out more and applied instantly.
After getting his place, Callum was able to work with some of
the finest materials in the world at Rolls-Royce, learning on site and
at college as well.
Callum used these skills to build a small refectory table and
wall cabinet during his early training. He is currently working on his
final project of making a large table.
Callum is looking forward to working in a number of areas across
the Woodshop and learning from the finest craftspeople in the business.
He is excited about the opportunities that that the
Apprenticeship Scheme offers and what the future holds during his time
with Rolls-Royce.
ETHAN BROWN: PARTS QUALITY
ETHAN BROWN, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Ethan was recommended to the Rolls-Royce
Apprenticeship Programme by his teacher who had seen previous students
achieve so much in recent years. After talking with a number of the
team at an apprentice fair, Ethan decided that the opportunity was too
good to miss.
Since joining the team at Rolls-Royce, Ethan has worked in a
number of departments with different roles and responsibilities. After
his first year studying full time at college, he moved on to Supplier
Parts Quality. Here Ethan was part of a team that ensures every single
part of the car is the finest Rolls-Royce quality. Ethan’s current
placement sees him working in a number of department’s learning how
the wider business works. The opportunity to work on the assembly line
has been one of the most exciting parts for Ethan. “It is amazing to
say that I have built Rolls-Royce’s” he says.
The opportunity to lead projects has helped support Ethan’s
personal development and confidence. With support, Ethan is leading a
project looking into metrology (measurement for the brand new
Rolls-Royce Cullinan).
The Apprenticeship Programme has afforded Ethan the opportunity
to learn new things and gain new experiences that can help further his career.
BRIENNY DUDLEY: LEATHERSHOP – SEWING
BRIENNY DUDLEY, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Having completed a degree at the Art University of
Bournemouth, studying BA Textiles, Brienny was looking for some
hands-on experience. When looking into local textiles job
opportunities she came across the ‘Leather Sewing Apprentice’ role at
Rolls-Royce. Brienny applied as the role would allow her to utilise
her skills and produce a final product. This seemed like ‘the perfect fit’.
Since joining, Brienny has completed three, two-month placements
within the Leathershop. Her first role was in cutting, then sewing
and more recently, in Brienny’s favourite role, seat build. This is
where the luxurious Rolls-Royce seats with their numerous massage
settings are built.
Brienny has been involved in a number of projects during her
time at Rolls-Royce. However, her stand out moment was collaborating
with the world famous Bespoke department to create a series of leather
Christmas decorations. Along with another apprentice, Brienny designed
and produced over 1000 decorations that were sold in the run up to
Christmas, with all proceeds going to the company’s house charity.
GEORGIA DICKINSON: LEATHERSHOP
GEORGIA DICKINSON, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
For a car lover like Georgia, the prestige of working
for the world’s most luxurious car brand was a once in a lifetime
opportunity. After studying a Business BTEC and unsure what to do
next, Georgia started looking online at apprentice schemes. She had
heard amazing things about the scheme from previous apprentices and
decided to apply for Rolls-Royce.
Georgia’s first week at Rolls-Royce was quite an experience. She
was ‘blown away’ by the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and how
friendly and supportive everyone was. The opportunity to go through
different placements within the Leathershop was a great opportunity to
learn something new every day.
The experience of working with the finest quality materials and
textiles was a great draw for Georgia: “The materials used at
Rolls-Royce are unlike anything I have seen before”. The
Apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce has taught Georgia lessons such as how
to be independent, working in a team and improving her confidence. The
support from management has been key in this, “they have always been
there to help me” she says.
PREVIOUS APPRENTICES NOW IN FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT
SAM ROWE: QUALITY MANAGEMENT
SAM ROWE, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Sam completed his apprenticeship in 2017 and his
career is going from strength to strength. He is currently in the
Measurement department, ensuring that every part that goes into a car
is up to demanding Rolls-Royce standards. His family and friends were
pleasantly surprised to be told where he worked and he always gets
asked about his job and the cars he is working on.
Sam was made aware of the Apprenticeship when he was given a
talk at school. He then explored the opportunities that Rolls-Royce
could give him. Asked why Rolls-Royce stood out for him, Sam explained
simply, “because it’s the best”. During his apprenticeship, Sam worked
across the business including Test and Finish, Parts Validation and
Leathershop. After his apprenticeship Sam was part of team that
launched the new Cullinan.
TOBY WILLIAMS: WOODSHOP
TOBY WILLIAMS, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Before his apprenticeship, Toby was working in
finance in an office-based job. He decided that he wanted a change of
career with the ability to work with his hands on a daily basis. He
had experience with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as his Grandad worked for
the Marque for a number of years and Toby had visited the site several
times before.
The apprenticeship proved particularly useful to Toby, providing
him with the opportunity to work across the production areas and he
believes this helped him to establish himself a role once he had
completed his apprenticeship. This has also helped him in his new job
within the Woodshop, working in the Hydraulic Pressing Area,
problem-solving and planning for future production.
JADE BIRCH: LEATHERSHOP (BESPOKE)
JADE BIRCH, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Jade is one of the Apprenticeship Programme’s many
success stories. Having joined in 2011, she completed her
apprenticeship in 2014 and is now a Leathershop Bespoke and Production
Leader. The key to her success has been working across a number of
departments within Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars. This also allowed her to
develop networking opportunities within the company. She is grateful
for the opportunity to hone her skills with the finest materials at
the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood.
During her time at Rolls-Royce, Jade has had the opportunity to
learn across the business. She has helped at events such as the
Goodwood Festival of Speed, and travelled to Dubai and Italy to
provide support on regional events. Her proudest job to date was
working on a Starlight Headliner for a customer which required hand
punching 900 holes to create a unique pattern in the illuminated
headline of the car. Jade also one of the team that appeared on the
BBC show ‘DIY SOS’ last year, hand-crafting a heat-proof, personalised
leather apron to local resident, Amanda Worne.
STEPH RANDELL: LEATHERSHOP (BESPOKE)
STEPH RANDELL, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS APPRENTICE
Steph began her three year apprenticeship in 2014,
using the opportunity to hone her skills in soft furnishings whilst
also networking across the business. She believes that this is what
has helped her to develop herself and provide her with the opportunity
to further her career beyond her apprenticeship.
Steph studied textiles before working at Rolls-Royce but had
never worked with leather before. The opportunity to work with the
finest materials and industry-leading production facilities was
incredibly exciting and an opportunity that Steph relished.
She was given the opportunity to travel to Korea to support the
launch of Black Badge and has worked on a number of events across the
company. She is looking forward to establishing herself in the Bespoke
Area in the Leathershop and using her creativity to develop designs further.
