Rail Automation Higher Apprentice Review

Throughout my course, I move around the business and experience all aspects of the company. Currently, I am working in the Software R&D team. Day to day task include checking emails and completing project work. I have college two days a week.

At college, I am studying an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering HNC (& HND in the future). I am also completing a electrical installation and hand fitting PEO. So far, I have gained a experience working with lathes, mills, bandsaws and hand fitting tools. I have also begun to work on electrical installation and learning about lighting circuits and consumer units etc. Within the business, I have been completing an engineering level 3 NVQ and have been developing my software and team working skills. And also learning to juggle many tasks/jobs within my week.

I find my programme thoroughly enjoyable, the team is friendly and everyone get's along.

I feel that the business values me as a employee; they understand the importance of apprentices and the positive effect they have on the business. Within the training team, everyone gets involved and feels a part of the future of the business. Our manager is friendly and gets on with the team. Recently Siemens Rail celebrated an apprentice awards evening at NTAR, the evening was thoroughly enjoyable and demonstrated how much Siemens believes that apprentices are the future.

The course will be 5 years old in September meaning the course is tried and tested and very organised. Our manager has set it up to ensure that we receive the best experience. I have biweekly mentoring sessions, and monthly one to one sessions with my manager to ensure everything is running smoothly and to bring up any issues. If I need to speak to my manager sooner he is happy to schedule an irregular meeting so I voice my concerns. The NVQ course which is run by the training department is now polished and everything is in place to ensure I can work through the qualification without any hiccups.

If I need to speak to someone at college, my tutors are always happy to talk to me or I can email them.

I have biweekly mentoring sessions, and monthly one to one sessions with my manager to ensure everything is running smoothly and to bring up any issues. If I need to speak to my manager sooner he is happy to schedule an irregular meeting so I voice my concerns.

My salary meets my living costs and travels etc. I live at home and so I don't have many outgoings.

Siemens has a 'Volunteering Portal' where we can partake it activities to help the community or at an event. The company encourages to use this and permits 2 days volunteering per year (you can speak to your manager, if you would like more). Within the town there are many places to do activities and sports. There is a leisure centre, dry ski slope, and many cycle trails around the area.

Yes

Siemens invests a lot in its apprentice scheme and recognises that they are important to the future of the business. Their scheme is organised well and provides lots of support.

Try to make your application stand out by doing extra curriculars that are different. It makes your interview interesting and gives you things to talk about. The future of Siemens is digital so it would be great if you were interested in computers/electronics and software.