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Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Apprenticeships 2026

Rolls-Royce offers degree and higher apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing, and digital technology. With sites across Derby, Bristol, and beyond, Rolls-Royce apprentices work on some of the world's most advanced aerospace and power systems.

Live Rolls-Royce roles

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About Rolls-Royce apprenticeships

Sectors

Engineering, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Operations

Apprenticeship levels

Level 6 (Degree Apprenticeship), Level 4 (Higher Apprenticeship)

Typical salary

£21,000–£28,000/yr with structured annual increases

Entry requirements

Degree apprenticeships typically require 3 A-levels including Maths and a Science at BBB+.

Application process

The typical stages students see when applying to Rolls-Royce.

Selective

Fewer than 5% of applicants for engineering graduate programmes

1

Online application

Day 1

2

Online tests (numerical and situational)

1–2 weeks after application

3

Video interview

1–2 weeks after tests

Competency and motivational questions. Research Rolls-Royce's programmes in power systems, aerospace, and defence.

4

Assessment centre

2–4 weeks after video interview

Engineering exercises, group discussion, and senior leader interview. Safety mindset and systematic thinking are assessed.

Total process:6–12 weeks from application to offer

Application timing

Graduate and placement applications open in October and can close early. Apply by January for best consideration — some engineering streams fill before the advertised close.

Official careers site

Use Apprentice Wizard to track openings, then double-check final deadlines on the employer site.

Visit careers site

How to stand out at Rolls-Royce

Strong examples include hands-on projects, analytical thinking, safe working, process improvement, and communicating technical ideas clearly.

Use examples that show how you diagnosed a problem, tested options, and checked the result.
Mention safety, quality, and documentation where relevant.
For placement roles, show enthusiasm for learning from technicians, engineers, and operators.

Common rejection reasons

Weak engineering project examples
Inability to connect technical work to business or safety impact
Vague interest in Rolls-Royce's specific programmes

Interview questions students should expect

motivational

Why Rolls-Royce and why this specific programme or placement stream?

Show knowledge of Rolls-Royce's specific programmes — power systems, aerospace, defence, or SMR — not generic engineering.

technical

Walk me through a technical project you have worked on and the key engineering decisions you made.

Focus on the problem, your approach, the trade-offs you considered, and what you would do differently.

values

How do you approach safety in your engineering work, and what does safety culture mean to you in practice?

Safety-first thinking is non-negotiable at Rolls-Royce — give a specific example from a project or lab.

commercial

What do you know about Rolls-Royce's work in small modular reactors or sustainable aviation fuels, and why does it matter commercially?

SMR and SAF are Rolls-Royce's major growth bets — show you understand both the technology and the business logic.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Rolls-Royce apprenticeships based?

Rolls-Royce has major apprenticeship intakes in Derby (headquarters), Bristol (aero-engine manufacturing), and other UK sites. Many engineering apprenticeships are based in Derby.

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