Apprentice Review

Currently on the Protection section, my typical day consists of testing the protection for various pieces of plant with substations to ensure that the protection will operate should a fault occur. This involves creating fault scenarios with High voltage test equipment testing the operation of the protection.

The First Year of my apprenticeship was completed at Acton Town Training School where apprentices are taught Electrical Installation, Electronics, Mechanical Maintenance and Bench Fitting for six months. The Following six months was spent at City of Westminster College where I completed Level 3 BTEC ONC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with grade double Distinction. During my Second year of the apprenticeship I also gained sponsorship from my company enabling me to complete a HND part time on day release. I have completed the first year successfully with grade Distinction and will be returning in September to complete my second year. Following my HND I have aspirations to gain sponsorship in order to undertake a Bachelors Degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

I enjoy my programme very much and feel I have defiantly made the correct career choice.

I feel very valued as an apprentice as we are often told how we are the future of the company, and how apprentices are to TFL.

My programme is very well structured with regular training courses to attend, there is a planned schedule showing the sections I am to complete and when I am to complete them by.

I have received a lot of support regrading training, the training provider are very easy to get in contact with.

The support network is excellent, the managers are extremely helpful and very supporting with general guidance and problems.

Travel costs are completed covered for me as I use the tube to commute and local bus networks which are covered by the Staff Oyster card, TFL also offers a 75% national rail discounted ticket.

There are a large number of volunteering opportunities to get involved in ranging from career events at school and colleges to local sports teams.

Yes

I would defiantly recommend TFL to a friend as the apprenticeship offers excellent career opportunities and the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time.

I would advise them to be inquisitive and ask lots of questions. ‘There is no such thing as a silly question’ if you are unsure of something, ask! Someone will always provide you with an answer or point you in the direction you can source one.