Apprentice Track Engineer Review

by Costain

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I have been on a Network Rail secondment from Costain. At Network Rail I have been carrying out the duties of a Senior Technical Officer. This includes gauging platforms, marking sites prior to tamping and stoneblowing, stressing rails and complete all relevant documanets.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

My secondment at Network Rail has delveloped all of my skills and every task I have been involved in has been a new skill and experience learned.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the mixture of time spent in the office and time spent out on site.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Costain?

I have yet to work a day for Costain so it is a hard question to answer. However I have had several meeting with management and they always make me feel that there is a good future for me.

7/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Not very well. Network Rail never seem to update me on anything such as NVQ submissions or dates of courses to attend. Course dates change on a regular basis or instructors phone in sick and there is no cover. I have looked after myself from day one but the positive in that is that I have better independance.

3/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Not much. I find my knowledge and support from the people around me. The experience of the guys in the depot is far better than the training provider. One of my training providers has never worked on railway tracks so how could he help me? They never reply to my emails when I ask for help.

1/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I get a lot of support from my employer. If i need any literature i get it within minutes.

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

I have adjusted my life to the salery and it suits me fine for now but a pay increase would obviously be welcomed. Living in London with the high costs can be challenging but it just means a little less social life.

6/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I don't understand the question.

1/10

9. Would you recommend Costain to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Costain is a company with a good looking future. Costain wants me to succeed the current managers and therefore has invested a olot of money in me. Costain wins awards over all of their sectores. Costain always aims to achieve excellence. Costain has some of the best engineering brains in the country and I really look forward to working with them.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Costain?

Dont be afraid of what age you are. I am 28 this year and still an apprentice. You dont have to be 16 or 18 to be an apprentice. Ask a lot of questions. Make sure it is an industry you really want to be apart of.