Joel ready to roll into an apprenticeship

An electronics student at Matthew Boulton College has set out his next steps after getting a place on an apprenticeship scheme with Rolls Royce. Joel Lewis Grey will begin a degree-led engineering apprenticeship at the company’s Derby plant in September.

“I had it in mind to look for work experience or an apprenticeship after I’d finished college in the summer, but when this opportunity came up, it was too good to miss,” said the 18-year-old from Alrewas. “I’ve always had a hands-on approach to learning so having four days of training at the plant each week and one day at university will support this.”

Joel’s application and interview for Rolls Royce included a presentation, group presentation and assessment followed by a site tour.

“The apprenticeship is for three years and then hopefully I’ll be offered a position with the company,” Joel continued. “My degree will be a BSc in engineering which I’ll study at Derby University. After this I can specialise in other disciplines including electronics which I’ve always been interested in.”

“My college course, the extended diploma in electrical and electronic engineering is one where the knowledge you gain can easily be applied to the outside world. I’ve used the things I’ve learned in class to help make improvements to the lighting at home.

“It’s a very practical course with a lot more theory work involved in the second year. You’re also expanding on the types of engineering we cover such as mechanical.”

Joel continued: “I’ve preferred being in college to a sixth form. You’re treated in a more mature way and get to manage your learning the way you want to.”

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