Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering the next generation of talent in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through a series of specially designed workshops at Davison CE High School for Girls. Delivered by Rolls-Royce Apprentices and Interns, these interactive sessions showcased the real-world applications of mathematics in luxury manufacturing, aiming to inspire young women to pursue careers in STEAM fields.
Bringing Mathematics to Life
Developed in collaboration with Mathematics Education Innovation (MEI), a charity dedicated to improving maths education, the workshops were carefully tailored to align with the school curriculum while demonstrating the crucial role of mathematics in the production of Rolls-Royce’s world-renowned luxury vehicles. By making these lessons relevant to real-world industry practices, the initiative sought to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional application.
Exemplifying the value of apprenticeship pathways, the workshops were led by former Davison student and current Rolls-Royce apprentice Fleur Macmillan. She was joined by Jess Burcombe, an intern and undergraduate from the University of Chichester, who provided invaluable insights into navigating a career in STEAM. Fleur’s personal journey from student to apprentice served as an inspiration to attendees, demonstrating the possibilities available to those pursuing careers in this dynamic sector.
“Encouraging more young women to enter STEAM careers is so important,” said Fleur. “When I was sitting in those same classrooms only a few years ago, I never would have believed this was possible for me. There are so many ways to grow within Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and I am so pleased that I made the decision to choose a career with so much opportunity.”
Strengthening Community and Industry Links
Davison CE High School for Girls, the only state school on the Sussex Coast dedicated exclusively to girls’ education, is known for its proactive approach to industry engagement. Headteacher Chris Keating expressed gratitude for the collaboration, emphasising the importance of equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the workplace.
“Being at the heart of our local community is really important to the students and staff of Davison CE High School for Girls,” Keating said. “We want our students to make a positive contribution and to see that they can be a genuine ‘force for good.’ We feel really fortunate to have such a strong relationship with local employers such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and we work together to ensure that our students understand what it takes to succeed in the world of work and what wonderfully diverse career options are out there for them.”
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
These workshops are part of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ wider Future Talent Programme, which includes Graduate, Apprenticeship, and Internship opportunities aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion within the company. By offering young people hands-on experience and industry insights, the company continues to foster a more inclusive talent pipeline, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive in the luxury automotive sector.
Mark Adams, Director of Human Resources at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, underscored the significance of these initiatives in broadening access to STEAM careers. “By showing how important maths is within luxury manufacturing, we hope to inspire students to consider a future in the industry. In recent years, we have seen a welcome increase in female applicants for our Future Talent Programme, and activities like this are key to sustaining that progress.”
Apprenticeship Opportunities Now Open
The application window for the 2025 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Apprenticeship programme is now open until 31 March 2025. Designed for individuals with a broad range of interests, skills, and educational backgrounds, the programme offers apprenticeships from NVQ Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) to Level 6 (equivalent to an undergraduate degree), with most roles commencing in August 2025.
Aspiring apprentices are encouraged to explore the diverse opportunities available and submit their applications via the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars careers portal.
Through initiatives like these, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to lead the way in nurturing future STEAM talent, ensuring that the luxury automotive industry remains innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking for generations to come.
