What is it like to be an apprentice at RPL?
Hear from some of our current apprentices about what it is like working at Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) in the Apprenticeship Programme.
Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Conor Petford
"The apprenticeship program at Ricoh has allowed me to extend my academic journey beyond A-Levels. The dynamic program has not only provided me with invaluable specialist support but also grants me the flexibility to dedicate time from my workweek for studies and lectures. In addition to my academic study, I have been fortunate enough to be actively involved in a diverse range of workplace projects in my short time here at Ricoh. These experiences have enabled me to collaborate with my colleagues and cultivate industry-specific competence, something I believe is not typically attained through a traditional degree."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Eve Redden
"I am currently working through my third year of the Technical apprenticeship here at Ricoh, this involves rotating through various departments in the business and learning what they do, and getting involved in any projects that are happening in the area. I also attend college part time studying towards a HNC in Mechanical Engineering. Thanks to the work i have completed on site, this has given me extra knowledge while working on my HNC. I really enjoy being an apprentice here at Ricoh and I look forward to what the future holds."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Kieran Rowley
"I am doing a 4 year apprenticeship in Technical Engineering. In terms of credentials, I attend Shrewsbury College to work towards finishing my apprenticeship with a Level 4 HNC in mechanical engineering . The apprenticeship is helping me learn a lot about Ricoh itself but also teaching me skills that can be used in engineering for future tasks and roles. I have also developed abilities such as leadership, communication, and timekeeping whilst working as an apprentice at Ricoh. Ricoh is a very friendly environment and the apprentice scheme they have to offer is very well structured."
Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Cameron Buick
"Joining Ricoh as a Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprentice has helped me greatly in expanding my knowledge and skills as I further my career in the hopes to become a fully qualified Engineer. It has given me experience and exposure to what life is like working as an Engineer on different manufacturing tasks and projects and allowed me to develop my understanding of Engineering as a whole. Ricoh is a great place to work full of knowledgeable and supportive employees."
Moulding Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Harrison Felton
"I am currently on a Moulding Engineering apprenticeship with Ricoh, which involves both close involvement with on-site projects, as well as offsite learning contributing to Level 2 & 3 qualifications in Mechatronics. Being an apprentice at Ricoh is a fantastic gateway into both further education and professional work experience. You are treated as a member of the team and are constantly learning and improving through support and encouragement from your peers, tutors, and seniors."
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Joshua Wynne
“During my time as an apprentice at Ricoh, I have gained a wealth of skills and knowledge through the many opportunities provided allowing me to flourish as a Maintenance Engineer. I have also been able to work alongside many experienced engineers which has helped greatly in my development. I look forward to continuing my apprenticeship with Ricoh and developing my skills further.”
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Kian Beasley
“Since joining Ricoh I have definitely developed many skills and responsibilities. Having independence, but knowing help is always available, is great personally for me for developing and wanting to learn. Already within a short time I have completed a range of different tasks within my Craft role and have been given a high amount opportunities to show my personal growth. This has all been completed with the guidance from experienced engineers. I look forward to continuing the development of my skills and responsibilities.”
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
Adam Briggs
"During my time as an apprentice at Ricoh, I have had lots of opportunities to enhance and present my skills and learning through the support on jobs with my mentors. I have also been able to develop myself as a person by improving my communication and team working skills through attending a variety of jobs in various departments with highly skilled and experienced engineers. I have enjoyed many aspects of the apprenticeship such as getting to know everyone within the organisation and being able to rotate departments and gain an insight into all the different areas of the business."
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
George Chadwick
" I am a Craft Engineering Apprentice at Ricoh UK and have started my second year studying towards my Level 3 Engineering course at Shrewsbury College. My achievements so far would be receiving my Merits and Distinction qualifications. I previously studied at Telford college where I furthered my interest in Engineering where I completed my level 3 Engineering foundation diploma."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
Lupin Brown
"I am currently in the second year of my Technical Engineering apprenticeship. At Ricoh, I work with experienced engineers on projects that help to develop my skills and understanding. At college, I am learning a lot of theory and practical knowledge which will help me with projects at work. I look forward to continuing my course and seeing more areas of the business."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
Lewis Heeley
"I am doing a Technical Engineering Apprenticeship and will be attending Shrewsbury College for 3 days a week for the theory part of the course. I am keen to learn to expand my knowledge and work in a team environment. I look forward to working at Ricoh and getting to know new people over the 4-year apprenticeship."
Finance Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
Daniel Hayward
"I am currently working through my 4-year apprenticeship programme in Finance, I attend Kaplan Financial college for my CIMA studies as I work through my exams. I started my apprenticeship months after finishing my A-levels, so the programme allowed me to begin building up crucial experience in the workplace. I have been involved in some exciting tasks and projects so far and gained valuable knowledge in all aspects of the finance department, I am also provided with lots of support from my mentors and colleagues in both workplace tasks and studying and I’m given the appropriate time to focus on exams when needed. I look forward to widening and developing my existing competence and knowledge in the department as I progress through my apprenticeship."
Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2024)
Mike Litwin
Joining RICOH through the Degree Apprenticeship program has helped me develop professional skills while studying advanced concepts at university. Working alongside experienced colleagues has given me valuable insights into the various technologies and strategies used in software engineering. I look forward to furthering my development and taking on new responsibilities at RICOH.
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2024)
Leon Nelson
"I am currently doing a Level 3 technical engineering apprenticeship at Ricoh; I’m looking forward to learning how to use various software including CAD and learning all the workings of engineering machines and processes. The hands-on learning pathway that come with an apprenticeship was the best fit for me, and if you feel the same, I would highly recommend doing an Apprenticeship too. I will be attending Shrewsbury College 3 days a week and working on site the rest of the working week, I will also be rotating around different departments at Ricoh and learning the processes they do and getting involved in any projects in the area. The skills I will learn at Ricoh and College will aid me in my future aspirations and goals."
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2024)
Zach Clarke
"I am currently doing a 4 year craft engineering apprenticeship. I gathered after getting my qualifications at college I wanted to carry on with my engineering experience, therefore finding this apprenticeship here at Ricoh has been a great follow up for me. During my off site work at Shrewsbury college, I am studying a technical engineering course. Working alongside experienced engineers here is great for me as I can gather information from their past experiences which can also help me in the future, I look forward to experiencing new jobs and taking on new responsibilities during my time here."
