National Apprenticeship Week 2025

The apprentices dip their paddles into the cold, steady waters of the River Esk, working together to guide their canoes downstream. The landscape around them is raw and quiet, apart from the occasional call of a curlew overhead. They’re heading towards the estuary at Ravenglass, a journey that requires teamwork, patience, and trust.

Just a few days ago, Max, Oliwia, and Louis were in a very different environment, learning how to lead projects, teams, and technical systems. But leadership isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about adaptability, decision-making, and trust. This week, they’re learning those skills in a way they never expected.

Oliwia and Sernea on the river Esk

Why are Rolls-Royce apprentices in the wild?

Every year, hundreds of Rolls-Royce apprentices swap workshops for wilderness as part of their training. During National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 84 apprentices from Derby, Bristol, and Glasgow arrived at Outward Bound Eskdale, ready for something completely different.

It’s more than just a break from routine. The programme, designed in partnership with Outward Bound, is about building resilience, confidence, and leadership.

Real learning doesn’t just happen in the workplace. It happens when you’re cold, tired, and still pushing forward. It happens when you trust your team. It happens when you think you can’t, but do it anyway.

Can a Week in the Wild Really Make You a Better Leader?

Leadership isn’t built in a boardroom, it’s shaped through experience. The challenging outdoor environment of Eskdale forces apprentices to make decisions, work under pressure, and trust their teams in ways they’ve never had to before.

For Rich, an Outward Bound instructor, this is where real leadership development happens:

"Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about making decisions, adapting under pressure, and trusting your team," he explains. "The river doesn’t care about your job title or experience level. Out here, the people who step up, support their team, and take responsibility - those are the ones who truly grow."