Rolls-Royce welcomes 93 new learners

• 69 apprentices and 24 dual study undergraduates begin their courses at German locations

In September, a total of 93 upcoming talents comprising 69 apprentices and 24 dual study undergraduates began their courses at the German locations of the Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems.

“The start of the new training year was a little unusual this time around, since instead of putting on a big welcome event, we divided the new apprentices into small groups, with receptions taking place on different days to enable us to keep to the hygiene and social distancing rules. I'm actually delighted to see us taking on so many young people this year despite the pandemic,” said Martin Stocker, head of training at the Friedrichshafen site.   

“Our apprenticeship tradition goes back 100 years, and our apprenticeships provide a great opportunity, not only for the young people doing them, but for the company as a whole. Young talents bring in a breath of fresh air and are also a source of diversity. That's exactly what we need for achieving the goals of our PS2030 strategy, which is about developing future-oriented solutions and driving digitalization,” said personnel chief Alexandra Kuebler. “I wish our new apprentices an exciting and instructive time here.”   

In all, Rolls-Royce's Power Systems business unit trains people in a total of 13 industrial and commercial disciplines, and in five sandwich degree courses. Apprenticeships are offered over a wide choice of occupations – from classical vocations such as industrial mechanic, and electronics or mechatronics technician to newer job profiles in the field of IT.   Overall, young people can benefit from rich opportunities at the company.   

“Excellent training, even in difficult times, has always been part of our corporate identity,” said Works Council Chairman Thomas Bittelmeyer. “Just recently, 26 apprentices successfully completed their training here. I'm proud that 24 of them were taken on with permanent contracts, and that we're welcoming so many new apprentices this year as well.”   

Training and digitalization

Last year, the technical prerequisites for digitalized learning were met with acquisition of an industrial 3D printer and collaborative robot. From autumn, a pilot group of apprentices will begin to be taught using MLS – a platform for digitally assisted vocational training. It enables training content and learning progress to be stored digitally in personalized form – both on computer tablets provided by the company as well as on private devices. “The platform offers things like teaching guides and videos and 3D models. Depending on their level of learning, our trainees receive individually compiled work assignments and put them into practice," explains Martin Stocker. "In this way, they can learn without being tied to a specific time or place and are getting prepared for the digital working world”, explained Martin Stocker. “That means they can study at any time and in any place, which is also a form of easygoing preparation for the digitalized world of work.”   

Anyone interested in embarking on an apprenticeship or undergraduate dual study course at Rolls-Royce can find out about the opportunities on offer at www.mtu-solutions.com. Or gain an initial impression by viewing the apprentices' Instagram account RRPS_Ausbildung.

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

1. Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
2. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,000 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, power generation, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry as well as diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. Medium-speed engines from Bergen power ships and power generation applications.
3. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
4. Annual underlying revenue was £15.45 billion in 2019, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services.
5. In 2019, Rolls-Royce invested £1.46 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.