Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked National Apprenticeship Week (10–16 February 2025) with a special event at its Goodwood headquarters, bringing together past and present Apprentices to celebrate the company’s renowned Apprenticeship Programme. This landmark gathering also served as the inaugural event for Rolls-Royce’s newly established Apprentice Alumni group, a vital network designed to support and connect Apprentices throughout their careers.
A Gathering of Talent and Experience
The event provided a unique opportunity for alumni to reconnect with former colleagues while engaging with the latest cohort of Apprentices. Through shared experiences and mentoring opportunities, the gathering underscored the enduring impact of the Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Scheme, which has been shaping skilled professionals since its inception in 2006.
Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester, attended as a distinguished guest, highlighting the importance of Apprenticeships in broadening career accessibility: “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 part of this celebration and to witness the passion and enthusiasm of those benefiting from the unparalleled opportunities at Rolls-Royce. I was particularly inspired by the young women exploring careers in manufacturing, supported by mentors who have successfully navigated the programme.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Currently, 95 young people are engaged in the Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Scheme, which combines hands-on training at Goodwood with academic qualifications, including NVQs and degrees, in partnership with leading further and higher education institutions. Upon completion of the two- to four-year programme, many Apprentices secure permanent roles within Rolls-Royce, while others leverage their expertise to forge successful careers in a variety of industries.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Mark Adams, Director of Human Resources at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated: “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.”
An Ever-Growing Network
The Apprentice Alumni group represents a crucial element of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to fostering career-long connections and professional development. By enabling past and present Apprentices to collaborate and exchange knowledge, the network enhances career prospects while enriching the broader Rolls-Royce community.
Apprenticeships remain a cornerstone of the Rolls-Royce Future Talent Programme, which also encompasses internships for undergraduates and a graduate scheme for university degree holders. The 2025 Apprenticeship Programme application window is open until 31 March 2025, offering opportunities across multiple disciplines at levels ranging from NVQ Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 6 (undergraduate degree equivalent). Interested candidates can apply via the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars careers portal.
This event reinforced the company’s unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals, ensuring that Rolls-Royce continues to set the benchmark for excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and career development.
