Telecommunicatons technician apprentice Review

My day to day role is a telecommunications apprentice which means I spend most of my time learning about electrical principles and the basics of telecommunications and communication devices. On a daily basis I will speak with our current line manager and also our admin team who are present on site. During my time here I have been a house captain which means I have the responsibility of being the middle man between 40-50 apprentices and the manager with any queries and concerns they have whilst also being there to help with any needs they may have.

Since I have been here I have improved on some previous engineering qualifications that I have from previous college tuition. I have also learned a magnitude of new things which as much as possible have been linked back to my future work on the railway which is a nice touch rather than just using completely generic questions which don't have the necessary links to my future. I have gained most of my new knowledge from fault finding courses and electrical devices and principles.

I have appreciated my programme for a good 90% of the time, as is to be expected with such a programme there will always be a few things that don't work as well as you might hope but this is life. Since I have been here I have had a few family issues but I can honestly say that the company have been there every step of the way and helped accommodate for my needs which shows a high level of class from the workers and a great company culture. Having been given the opportunity to meet the company C.E.O and Chairman I would say that they are opportunities most companies would not offer to first year apprentices so this shows a great building culture that most companies don't offer.

As I mentioned in my answer above since I have been here I have had some very tough times in my personal life and the support shown from the manager and his admin staff has been nothing short of remarkable. previous to joining this scheme I was a branch manager for a well known sports company within the UK but since I have been here I feel even in the short space of time so far that have been here that I am respected and appreciated 100% more which considering I was at the other company for over 6 years and highly successful says a lot about how feel now and how I felt before.

My programme has been well laid out and in most cases has run very smoothly, as with anything of this size there will be problems when making a schedule for 200+ people and over this amount of time. during our time here there has been a transition period happening which has caused few slight issues with team members on the teaching side but in 9 out of 10 times it has been deal with in a professional manner and has not effected my learning in anyway. the team leaders here constantly monitor tutors performance to ensure we receive the best possible tutoring available.

We have constant access to our tutors for help with assignments and queries, the guidance we are given when relating to exams and assignments is second to none. General problems and grievances are dealt swiftly by our apprentice support officers which are on hand from lunch until early evening at which point residential staff take over to ensure we constantly have a point of contact for any issues that may arise. Babcock has a great attitude towards us and are constantly looking to help us wherever and whenever possible.

Network rail give us every opportunity to improve our learning, getting us ready for the transition from the academy onto the track with our depots. Our manager has regular team meetings in which we are given any new or updated information regarding our course or things happening around us. Through e-learning and courses away from the academy we receive all the safety briefings and training that we require to ensure that as soon as we go to our respective depots that we will be safe and be capable of ensuring our own and people around us safety.

During our time here I would say that he money we are paid is more than sufficient for general usage and necessary purchases such as toiletries and the odd luxury. Being older though I d have a few bills such as car finance and insurance, that leave me with very little to spend but this is purely down to my life previous to this course and are not something that the company could account for. Our meals and accommodation are all paid for and they pay for a rail card so we get a third off of our rail travel which makes travel costs a lot better for when you wish to go home for a weekend etc. Holidays and necessary trips home are also covered by Network Rail.

Admittedly this is probably the only section that I feel is left with a bit to be desired but with the programme being based on a navy base choices for this section are understandably limited. If you are someone who enjoys sports activities and trips to the gym then there is plenty for you as the sports facilities and gym equipment is world class but as someone who is less inclined to use such facilities there is much less to do which to be honest has probably helped my studies as it leaves me far more time to get assignment etc done. There are the odd quiz and pool tournament which can sometimes be a laugh to attend but again not really my thing.

Yes

There are so many reasons why I would recommend this apprenticeship to friends and have. This course is a great chance to get your foot in the door for a lifelong career and not only be trained by a world renowned company but also get paid to do so and leave with a qualification that is recognised all over the world and opens many engineering doors for the future. Looking towards the future once you are in Network rail there are so many opportunities including design, tech office and project management meaning that you are not limited to just working on the tools for the rest of your life once your qualified.

just do it! you wont regret it, to be honest it will most likely be the best decision you could make for your professional life. Apply early and if you make your way through to the interviews be yourself and answer honestly as this will show once you get through to the assessment days. Be a team player and if your a confident person don't hide it let it show as characters are promoted. If your not the most confident person this isn't a case of you have no chance its a lets work on your confidence and harness the potential that you as a person have.