Frequently asked questions regarding Apprenticeships

General FAQs

• What apprenticeships are there at RWE in the UK?

  We offer four different apprenticeships in the UK

  • Onshore
  • Offshore
  • IT

  Please have a look at the detailpages for more information.

• What is RWE's position on the subject of diversity?

  At RWE, we don't just talk about diversity, we actively promote and live diversity in our everyday lives. We believe in "success is in the mix", i.e. we believe that diverse teams, i.e. people of different origins and gender, religion, sexual orientation, with or without disabilities, simply make us better and more successful as a company. In addition, we believe that it is much more fun to work together in diverse teams! In the section "Why RWE?" on rwe.com you can find more information about this, you can also look around on the pages of our colleagues from the Diversity Team and in #TeamRWE you will find, among other things, some podcasts about the LGBT*IQ community here at RWE.

• Can I apply with a disability?

  Of course, you can also apply to us if you have a disability. We support you both in the application process and during the apprenticeship. In addition, the colleagues at RWE are always available to answer your questions and provide support.

• Where do I find relevant information about the apprenticeships?

  We have prepared detailed information for all our apprenticeships. You can find an overview here. You can also have a look at our instagram channel to find out more about RWE. 

• What are the locations of RWE in the UK?

  All locations where we offer apprenticeships in the UK can be found here. There are also many other locations around the world where RWE is represented. Here you will find a location map with all locations and we present some locations in videos on rwe.com.

• Does RWE employ apprentices despite Covid-19?

  YES! Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we continued to hire apprentices last year and the year before and we will also be hiring apprentices again this year.
  

   

• How does the induction of the apprenticeship work?

  If there are still restrictions due to Corona at the beginning of your training, we will of course take these into account, because your health and that of the colleagues who look after you is very important to us. Nevertheless, it is just as important to us that you can get to know your fellow apprentices and those responsible for you and get all the information you need to start your apprenticeship right from the start. That worked really well in 2022 and will also work for you. Promised.

• Despite Corona, can I work in the office or on the site?

  As in many other companies, many of our employees are currently working from home or alternately working from home and in the office. Of course, we make sure that we have sufficient distance from each other. This also applies to our IT apprentices. Of course, you get the technical equipment to be able to work from home. In addition, we make sure that all trainees are in regular contact with colleagues in their department and the trainers. We don't want you to get bored. 😉

  In the technical apprenticeships, we would of course like to teach you as much manual skills and knowledge as possible. In compliance with all hygiene regulations and distance rules, you will experience exciting training sections on site in our training centers. Due to staggered breaks and different start and end times, you only ever meet a few other fellow trainees. Also, everyone in the building is wearing medical masks.

   

• What's the dresscode at work?

  For the technical profession, you will receive the work clothing, which we call personal protective equipment, from us at the beginning of the training. You do not need any special work clothes for the IT profession. Take a look at the experience reports and videos of our trainees here, then you will also get an impression of how we dress at RWE and what our mood is like. If you follow us on Instagram, you will find out even more!

• How important is Health & Safety at RWE?

  Occupational safety is a top priority at RWE! Whether at a wind farm, in the office or in the home office - occupational safety concerns us all. At the beginning of your training, you will learn a lot about it at the introductory event and learn how to behave to avoid accidents. We want you to stay healthy! But health not only affects our body, but also the soul. Our colleagues from occupational medicine and company social counseling will also support you.

• Can I apply as a university dropout?

  University dropouts, can of course also apply for an apprenticeship. You can find our open apprenticeships here.

• What are the advantages of an apprenticeship with RWE?

  9 reasons for an apprenticeship with RWE: 

  • TOP Career opportunities
  • Fun at work
  • Nice colleagues
  • Qualified trainers
  • Professional and personal development
  • Balancing work and private life
  • Good salary
  • Social commitment
  • RWE has a future - we are shaping the energy transition

   

• How is RWE committed to the health of its employees?

  We think it's important to make sure we all stay healthy and fit. This is the only way we can work together successfully towards a better future. That's why we rely on strong company health management that goes far beyond the normal level. You have the opportunity to take part in numerous sports and seminars. A great opportunity to have fun, do something for your health and at the same time get to know your colleagues better. Our company medical service takes care of preventive measures, but also comprehensive advice and care in the event of illness. an annual flu vaccination as well as various consulting services. We fill up your energy tanks again and again - so that we can start together into a sustainable and healthier future.

IT

Recruitment process

• Will I automatically be excluded from selection if I don't have the GCSE grades listed in the advert?

  Due to the high demand for the apprenticeship we cannot consider anyone who does not have the minimum grades.

• Can I apply if I am older?

  RWE welcomes applicants of all ages. All salaries are benchmarked appropriately for apprentices, and so we do ask those with more experience to consider this before applying.

• Can I apply if I have a degree?

  Yes - provided your degree is substantially different to the apprenticeship discipline you are applying for. You cannot be funded to learn a lower level of qualification in the same disciple. If you have an IT degree, then you can't apply for an IT apprenticeship.

• What does the recruitment process look like?

  There will be variations for each role, but typically they all involve an application stage, video interview, and a final assessment centre.

• How do I apply?

  Simply follow the links to apply and upload a copy of your CV and cover letter.

• What is involved in the video assessment?

  You will be provided with a link to the video interview platform and a chance to familiarise yourself with how it works beforehand. During the interview you will be set questions and given some time to think of an answer, before your camera switches on and you again have some time to submit your answer. It is easy and simple to use, and you can submit your answers at a time to suit you.

• What will the assessment centre involve?

  There will be variations for each role, but typically they will include an interview, a presentation exercise, and a group discussion topic with your fellow applicants. We will also provide you with the chance to meet managers and apprentices to ask questions and assess our suitability for your future career.

• When will I find out if I have been successful?

  We aim to feedback to all candidates within one week of the final assessment centres.

During the apprenticeship

• What benefits will I receive?

  All Apprenticeship salaries are benchmarked to be competitive for their level. There is also a performance-based annual bonus of up to 10% of your salary to aim for. Other benefits include on-site gym facilities, free parking, free tea, coffee and refreshments, on-site restaurant, plus many other benefits you would expect from a modern global organisation.

• What qualifications will I be working towards

  Individual roles vary from DevOps Engineers to Project Managers, Application Support Leads, to Cloud Infrastructure Technicians, so depending on the specific role you’ll most likely be working towards a digital or project management based apprenticeship.

• What will the salary be?

  Year 1	£19,500
  Year 2	£21,500

  
  

• When will the Apprenticeship start and how long will it last?

  It will start in mid-July 2023 and last for 2 years.

• Where will the Apprenticeship be based?

  All of our apprentices are based in our UK head office in Swindon. We are a global company and it is also very likely that you will work with colleagues based in Germany, Singapore and many of our other locations.

• Will I have pastoral support from RWEST during my apprenticeship

  We understand it’s important you feel supported during your apprenticeship. You’ll have a manager that is separate from the college who will oversee your role, both during your time at college and within your job based role. You’ll have regular catch up meetings with your manager, who will be able to help you with any issues that you are having with the course, or any wellbeing issues affecting your apprenticeship. In addition, you’ll also have a tutor at college who can assist with any college related queries, as well as supporting you with your portfolio and end point assessment (EPA).

After the apprenticeship ends

• Am I guaranteed a job with RWE after the Apprenticeship ends?

  RWE trains apprentices with a view to a long term role with the company, however any permanent role after the apprenticeship will require the apprentice to apply for an available position towards the end of the course.

Onshore & Offshore Apprenticeship

Recruitment process

• Will I automatically be excluded from selection if I don’t have the GSCE grades listed in the advert?

  Due to the high demand for the apprenticeship we cannot consider anyone who does not have the minimum grades.

• What will the assessment centre involve?

  There will be an interview, a group exercise and a written test. Successful candidates will then be invited to a practical assessment to test the candidates’ ability to work at heights.

• When will I find out if I have been successful?

  We are aiming to be able to inform successful candidates around mid June.

During the apprenticeship

• When will the apprenticeship start and how long will it last?

  It will begin in September 2023 and last for 3 years.

• Where will the apprenticeship be based?

  The first two years will be primarily based at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea, but also with some introduction to site based work at the specific wind farm that you applied for. The third year will be completely based at the wind farm. 

• What will the salary be?

  £15,472	Year 1
  £18,915	Year 2
  £23,412	Year 3

• Is accommodation provided when I’m at college?

  Yes, during term-time accommodation will be provided in North Wales, close to the college. The nature of the accommodation will depend on the age of the apprentice. Please note that accommodation will not be provided for the time spent on site.  There will be also be a reasonable allowance for food and drink while away from home. 

• What qualifications will I be working towards?

  Year 1	BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering C&G NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations
  Year 2	C&G Level 3 Diploma in Wind Turbine Maintenance (Technical Knowledge) C&G NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations (additional units)
  Year 3	C&G NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance

  
  

• Will I have any pastoral support from RWE during the apprenticeship?

  You will have a manager that is separate from the college who will oversee your role, both during your time at college and at the wind farm. This manager will be able to help you with any issues that you are having with the course, accommodation or any wellbeing issues affecting your apprenticeship. In addition you will also have a mentor when you are on site at the wind farm to help you with any work related issues.

• When term-time finishes would I be working at the wind farm?

  Yes, for some college breaks you will be able to experience practical experience on site. You will also have some time as holidays as well.

After the apprenticeship ends

• Am I guaranteed a job with RWE after the three year apprenticeship ends?

  RWE trains apprentices with a view to a long term role with the company, however any permanent role after the apprenticeship will require the apprentice to apply for an available position towards the end of the course.