Control Systems Engineer Review

I work in control systems for Siemens. My work involves such things as creating VDU displays for signaling layouts using CAD or designing the actual hardware which is fitted. Also of a weekend I have the opportunity to go out and test equipment on the near trackside.

I have developed my skills using CAD software whilst in the office. Also during my day release at college I have learnt many wiring/ soldering skills. this gives a balance of both computer skills and hands on physical skills.

I enjoy the everyday challenge whilst I am at work due to the steep learning slope that I'm on during my apprenticeship programme. This is due to the wide range of exposure I am getting to different area of work from CAD to writing data.

After the 2 years I have been here I feel like a valued member of the control systems team. I am trusted with my own projects and encouraged to use my own initiative.

I feel that the organization of the course at the start was quite hectic as it was fairly new to the company but after the first year the programme has been well structured with offsite training courses being set up on a regular basis to widen my knowledge.

From my college I receive a fair amount of support from tutors who will go out of their way to help you if you struggle to understand a topic. Also I am able to contact them via email out of college hours if I have any other queries.

I receive a lot of support from my employer on a day to day basis. I have been told that no question is a stupid question; this encourages you to ask about minor details that you usually wouldn't. This support helps in me widening my knowledge and progressing towards my future goals.

The Siemens apprenticeship programme is one of the best paid I had seen whilst searching for appropriate apprenticeships. The salary has risen each year of my apprenticeship with company bonuses on top of that. Overall the salary leaves me with a very comfortable way of living outside of work.

The company provides a programme in which you are able to take two days holidays where you are able to volunteer at a number of different establishments. As I am into sport I was glad when I was told that the company had a football evening setup at a local pitch which meant I was able to socialize with other employees in a different environment.

Yes

Of course the factor that the salary if very good for an apprenticeship. But also after the apprenticeship the rail industry will always be around meaning that it could be a job for life. The courses in which you undertake at college are good for widening knowledge and also it is free to learn which is hard to come by outside of employment.

If you are able to get to the interview process then I would do some research into the company; learning about the basics of how the railway works and the technology which is used. Once employed I would encourage anyone to ask as many questions as they can this will help improve the speed in which you progress onto other projects.