Apprentice Signalling Designer Review

I am an apprentice signaling designer for Siemens Rail Automation Holdings Ltd. I am currently producing designs for the railway signal & telecommunications system in the Sheffield area. I am not yet a licensed designer and so I mostly assist others. However I have now submitted my application for a designer's license which will give me a great deal more independence.

I have completed many railway specific training courses and also a Level 3 BTEC in electrical and electronic engineering. I am now studying for my Level 4 BTEC in electrical and electronic engineering and have many other course planned.

I enjoy my work very much and have a lot of support from my colleagues. I work in a team of 7 other designers whom all have different expertise. As a result, I have been fortunate enough to have had experience working in many subject areas. The company supports learning, wellbeing and safety.

Because of the current workload and demands of staff I feel that the work I do makes a big difference. However I am struggling to keep on top of my college work as a result. But I have raised the concern and been given nothing but support in return.

I feel that there are a few areas where the scheme is lacking structure. Since beginning my apprenticeship most of what I've learnt has been on the job, so there is not much requirement for there to be a strict agenda. However the interface between my work and the training could be improved.

The training dept. for Siemens Rail Automation is based in Chippenham whereas I am in York. Geographically the situation is far from being desirable as far as the question is concerned. I have had very little direct interaction with the training dept. and so I don't really feel very supported.

I receive a great deal of support from my employer on both a company and local level. Any concerns I've had have always been addressed and met.

My salary is adequate for my standard of living though, as a married man who rents a home of his own, I would struggle to stretch my income any further.

Part of my apprenticeship requires that I gain an assistant signaling designer's license. These licenses are awarded by the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) whom frequently have events for younger members and apprentices. Similarly the training dept. frequently offer apprentices the chance to attend industry events.

Yes

A great way to begin and continue with a career in industry. This sector particularly will offer a wide range of experiences and keep anybody entertained.

To be yourself, express your interest in engineering, learning and solving problems...there's a great deal of it! I volunteered at heritage railways to gain experience prior to joining Siemens. Do research on the subject of railways and engineering in general And, most importantly, be professional.