Signal Design Engineer Review

The role ive been working towards in my apprenticeship is a Signal Design Engineer. For the first year i was working in the workshop, and on day release at college. For the second i was in various placements around LU, completeing techincal courses for my role and on day release at college. For the last year i was in the Signal Design placement, completing my final technical courses and working towards my Signal Design License. On a day to day basis you are learning something new or expanding on previous knowledge and skills which help you within your desired job role in LU.

Yes- i came into the apprenticeship with little engineering knowledge. The apprenticeship starts at a basic level for everyone and you develop as the apprenticeship goes on. Skills such as mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering are all gaiend through the apprenticeship, as well as meeting deadlines, good time keeping, health and safety and many more.

I have enjoyed my programme a lot. There have been some difficult times, whereby i have been stressed with work loads- but i think its because as you go on you realise more and more what you can achieve and how much you want to achieve it.

I feel extremely valued. The apprentice unit have put so much time and effort into ensuring we have everything we need to be able to pass. They have ensured weve been booked on all the courses, been supportive throughout and have pushed for us to get the best out of the time we have in the apprenticeship.

I feel the programme is well organised and structured. There is alot of apprentices with several courses going on at once, they have to accomdate annual leave and take into account college/courses/placement timetables too. There is also the issue of strike days,in which i feel the apprentice unit has dealt with so we dont miss out. Over all i cannot fault the programmes structure. I have never felt i have been in a position where i cant do work or am behind with deadlines due to the sructure of the programme.

I recieved support from my training provider. It was ensured that each apprentice would have a one-to-one with their training provider routinely. They would take note of your progress, targets and any problems you may have with the work.

I recieved a lot of support from my employer. My apprentice manager has been nothing but helpful and supportive throughout my apprenticeship. The apprenticeship unit as a whole have always been there to listen to and help you when needed. They will put work/learning plans in place, hold meetings/reviews, speak to managers and tutors for you.

I cannot fault the pay recieved for a TFL apprentice. YOu get paid very well within the apprenticeship, recieve a staff pass to travel for free and get a discount on overground trains.

There are so many opportunites of work for those who have trained in a TFL apprenticeship. You obtain a good qualifaction- to a high level. Also with the stigma of TFL attached- there would be so many opportunites open to you.

Yes

The training and support you get at TFL are faultless. You obtain a recognised qualification to an advanced level. You only need GCSE's to join the apprenticeship. There is constant progression for those who want it. You earn whilst you learn. You are working towards an well paid and well recognised career. TFL will always be around and relied on daily- always have work. You do not need to pay for the qualifcations you obtain. There are a lot of opportunities in TFL once your'e full time. Same length of time as a degree course (without debts at the end.

Be ambitious, determined and have a thirst for knowledge. They will get you far in the apprenticeship and later on in TFL. It can be quite difficult and it can be very stressful at times- but knowing you want to be a part of TFL and kowning you can achieve what they are asking will urge you to continue. The more you skills you develop the easier it gets, however you may also need to be willing to put aspects on your life on hold for a bit, if youre someone who struggles with revising or are falling behind- but once realise what you want from the apprenticeship and for your future, you reallise its worth it. For those who dont get in this year- use the year to gain experience or qualifications for your CV or get a work experience placment in TFL in the field you want to work in- and apply again!