This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- First-year salary, Level 3 apprenticeship (varies by location; April 2026)
- £18,316
- Source: Rolls-Royce careers (opens in a new tab)
- First-year salary, degree apprenticeship (April 2026)
- £23,933
- Source: Rolls-Royce careers (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Rolls-Royce has been training apprentices for more than 100 years, according to its careers site. Today it has several UK routes: Level 3 technician programmes, higher and degree apprenticeships, and a Young Apprenticeship that starts from Year 9.
What you’d earn
Rolls-Royce is one of the few employers that publishes its full apprentice pay table, which makes it really easy to compare. As of April 2026:
| Programme | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced / Modern Apprenticeship (Level 3)* | £18,316 | £20,927 | £23,909 | £27,317 |
| Advanced Apprenticeship, Solihull | £16,496 | £21,748 | £25,170 | £30,294 |
| Higher Apprenticeship | £21,512 | £24,578 | £28,081 | £32,083 |
| Degree Apprenticeship | £23,933 | £26,684 | £30,487 | £34,832 |
*Depends on location. Figures are rounded to the nearest pound. Rolls-Royce says these rates apply until you finish your apprenticeship, and after that your pay depends on the job you move into.
Who it’s for
Rolls-Royce says there’s no single way in and no upper age limit, so its apprenticeships are open to people changing careers as well as school leavers. Programmes cover advanced engineering, manufacturing, science, digital and business, across the company. You also get 33 days’ holiday a year, including bank holidays.
What they do
Rolls-Royce is an engineering company. Its UK apprenticeship page describes higher and degree routes in aerospace engineering, submarines engineering and business, and Level 3 technician roles at 11 UK locations in England and Scotland, including Derby, Bristol, Inchinnan and Barnoldswick.
Apprenticeships they offer
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Advanced / Modern Apprenticeships
Technician roles
Level 3, lasting four years, for people who have completed or are completing GCSEs, National 5s or equivalent. Example roles include mechatronics maintenance technician, machinist, electrical engineering technician, design technician, fitter and instrument technician. Published salary (April 2026) rises from £18,316 in year one to £27,317 in year four, depending on location.
-
Higher Apprenticeships
Engineering and business
For people who have completed or are completing A levels, Highers or equivalent. Published salary (April 2026) rises from £21,512 in year one to £32,083 in year four.
-
Degree Apprenticeships
Engineering (aerospace and submarines) and business
For people who have completed or are completing A levels, Highers or equivalent. Published salary (April 2026) rises from £23,933 in year one to £34,832 in year four.
-
Young Apprenticeships
From Year 9 (age 14)
Listed as a separate route that starts from Year 9. The overview page gives no further detail, so check the official site.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Level 3 (Advanced / Modern)
- Completed or completing GCSEs, National 5s or equivalent. As stated on the Rolls-Royce UK apprenticeships page. Specific grades are set per role.
- Higher and degree
- Completed or completing A levels, Highers or equivalent. As stated on the Rolls-Royce UK apprenticeships page. Specific grades are set per role.
Who can apply
- Rolls-Royce says there is no single route in and no upper age limit.
Our tips for Rolls-Royce
- Compare the pay tables carefully. The Solihull Level 3 apprenticeship has its own, different pay scale.
- Check which of the 11 UK locations a role is at. Level 3 roles include sites like Derby, Bristol, Inchinnan and Barnoldswick.
- Read the application preparation guide and assessment centre guide on Rolls-Royce's apprenticeship page. They show you exactly what to expect.
- Don't mix up Rolls-Royce (engineering and power systems) with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. They're separate companies with separate apprenticeships.
Summary
- Rolls-Royce offers apprenticeships at 11 UK locations, from Level 3 technician roles to degree apprenticeships.
- It publishes its pay for every year: a degree apprentice starts on £23,933 and gets £34,832 in year four.
- You get 33 days' holiday a year, including bank holidays.
- There's no upper age limit, and a Young Apprenticeship route starts from Year 9.
Related video
Rolls-Royce Early Careers | Be Curious: Meet the Apprentices
Questions about Rolls-Royce apprenticeships
How much do Rolls-Royce apprentices get paid?
Level 3 apprentices start on £18,316 and reach £27,317 in year four. Degree apprentices start on £23,933 and reach £34,832 (April 2026, depending on location). You also get 33 days' holiday including bank holidays.
Is there an age limit for Rolls-Royce apprenticeships?
No. Rolls-Royce says there's no single route in and no upper age limit. Its Young Apprenticeship route even starts from Year 9.
Where are Rolls-Royce apprenticeships based?
At 11 UK locations. Level 3 roles include sites like Derby, Bristol, Inchinnan and Barnoldswick.
What do you need for a Rolls-Royce degree apprenticeship?
You need to have completed, or be completing, A levels, Highers or equivalent. Specific grades are set for each role.
Is Rolls-Royce the same as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars?
No. They're separate companies with separate apprenticeships. This profile is about Rolls-Royce, the engineering and power systems company.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- UK Apprenticeships & School Leaver Programmes (opens in a new tab) Salary table marked "Correct as of April 2026".