Two second-year Sixth Form Bolton students were over the moon to find out that they have been selected for apprenticeships with the prestigious Rolls Royce.

Both students secured Engineering Degree Apprenticeships with Rolls Royce which will give them fully sponsored BEng degrees from University of Derby along with the unrivalled experience they will gain from working for Rolls Royce. The students will spend their first year at university gaining a firm foundation in engineering. From their second year onwards, they’ll complete a series of placements in different areas of Rolls Royce. These generally last six months each, which will allow them to develop a real understanding of what working in that area means. In all of them, they’ll enjoy on-and-off the-job training and outstanding opportunities to progress. One day a week will be day release to work towards their BEng Degree.

Zarah Patel a former Sharples School student, studies A Level Economics, Mathematics and Physics with Honours Programme and EPQ at The Sixth Form. She has been interested in Aerospace Engineering from a young age and has spent a lot of time researching different routes into the sector. Zarah was really appreciative of the support that The Sixth Form Careers Team gave her:

“Studying at The Sixth Form Bolton has opened a range of opportunities for me which has enabled me to pursue my dream career path! Through the help of the Apprenticeship Academy, I felt equipped with the correct skills needed to secure an apprenticeship. As well as being provided with useful information about applying for university to ensure I explored all my options. As well as ensuring I will be equipped for my career path post 18 through an exceptional CV, cover letter and personal statement. From the start of my apprenticeship application process the careers team ensured I was supported, which enabled me with the best chance of success as well as helping me develop crucial skills along the way which will be needed in an everyday workplace. From assistance to finding work experience at an international civil engineering firm to the ample guest speakers who could share their specialist knowledge to us the B6 careers team are truly fantastic and will ensure you are equipped with the best tools to create your future!”

Millie Adamson, a former Westhoughton High School student who is currently studying Triple Vocational Level 3 Applied Science at The Sixth Form was also delighted to get a place on the apprenticeship. Millie said that the assessment day was challenging but the support she received from the Careers team, and especially the Head of Careers: Jill Whitham really helped her:

“I’m so excited about my apprenticeship and I’m really glad that studying Vocational Science has led to such a coveted opportunity. There were hundreds of applications for this apprenticeship, and I’m so happy that I succeeded in getting an offer. I had a careers appointment with Jill Whitham where she recommended the Apprenticeship Academy to me which helped me to find out about the Rolls Royce vacancy and gave me the skills and confidence that I used in the assessment centre.”

The Sixth Form Apprenticeship Academy supports second-year students who wish to secure higher and degree level apprenticeships after sixth form. The programme helps students to understand the competitive recruitment process and learn how to write strong applications and master interviews, with the goal of securing a highly competitive apprenticeship.

Emily Dover, Careers & Employability Advisor at The Sixth Form who runs the Apprenticeship Academy is thrilled for Zarah and Millie saying:

“Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular choice for our students, which is why I set up the Apprenticeship Academy back in 2021. Year 13 students in the Academy have access to a range of resources and regular workshops which support them through each stage of the rigorous recruitment processes involved in a degree apprenticeship application. Zarah and Millie have both taken part in substantial extra-curricular activities, which, combined with their academic successes, helped them to stand out from the competition. The girls have been enthusiastic members of my Apprenticeship Academy, attending lots of the workshops and coming for regular 1-1 support with the Careers Team. I can provide all the information and advice, but it is up to the students to put the hard work into applying for apprenticeships. I am very proud of them both for securing such a competitive apprenticeship with Rolls Royce, and they are a shining example of hard work paying off.”

Everyone at The Sixth Form would like to pass on their congratulations to Millie and Zarah for securing such sought- after apprenticeships. Find out more about The Sixth Form’s Apprenticeship Academy here .