Switch into Aerospace Engineering Advanced Programme in Derby

Rolls-Royce Switch into Aerospace Engineering Programme

Duration: Typically 4 – 4.5 years

Starting salary: Competitive

Location: Derby

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce on the Switch into Aerospace Engineering programme, you will have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

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 have never thought this type of work was for you? It is time to change that thinking – and invest in your future with Switch into Aerospace Engineering. On this career development programme, you will get our full support and expert training to discover what we know you are 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 £39,000 after the successful completion of your Switch programme.

What you will be doing:

• Through Switch into Aerospace Engineering, you will train and get experience as an Aerospace Fitter and a Machinist – you will then be aligned to a role to finish your training.
• Aerospace Fitter: Learn to assemble aircraft engines using a range of tools and technical instructions. It will be your job to make sure the components and the way they are 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 are exactly right for our requirements too.

How it works:

Year one: For the first few weeks, you will get to know Rolls-Royce and the people who will be with you throughout your programme. This includes a mentor and your fellow 'Switchers'. From there, you will split your time each week as follows: Four days a week based at the Apprentice Academy in our Learning & Development Centre in Derby, where you will develop practical skills to enable you to achieve your Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations qualification. One day a week you will be studying for your Knowledge qualification (EAL Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations) where you will attend classes and develop your digital skills and Engineering knowledge. You will have two extended work placements on site in Derby to give you insights into the roles available for you to choose in Year two. Where required, you will 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 will be aligned to an Aerospace Fitter or Machinist apprentice role. You will spend more time at your training provider where you will continue to develop both your academic knowledge and practical skills. This will be combined with spending time on site at a Rolls-Royce facility, developing your workplace skills and working on parts that go into our world-class aircraft engines. You will 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 will work four days a week on site in your role, learning on the job. One day a week will be spent at your training provider, studying the academic qualifications required for your Level 3 apprenticeship.

Who we are looking for:

We are not concerned about your formal qualifications or your current job title - what matters most is that you bring real-world work experience and are ready to apply it in a new and meaningful way. Do you:

• Enjoy hands-on practical tasks
• Use your initiative and manage your time effectively
• Have strong problem-solving skills
• Work well in a team environment?

If you have spent time in the workforce and are looking for a fresh challenge, we would love to hear from you. This programme requires hard work and lots of learning. If you are offered a place, we will support you to achieve the equivalent of a GCSE in Maths and English. We are looking for people who are capable and committed to learning at this level. What is more important than anything, however, is an interest in the work we do and an eagerness to develop. 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 is time to Switch.

What we offer:

• Expert training and recognised qualifications
• A career you can progress in
• Plenty of support throughout
• Annual pay rises and pension scheme
• 33 days' annual leave, 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
• Access to an independent, 24-hour, confidential counselling service

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Closing date: 14th November 2025

We reserve the right to close the job advert early dependent on application volumes. Assessment centres will take place between November - December.

How to apply: You do not need a CV. Just click apply and complete our online application. It is a simple form that asks about you – your interests, life experiences and what you enjoy.