2nd year track apprentice Review

I am a second year track apprentice, I am currently working with the technical team within my depot I am learning quite a range of things that goes on with carrying out inspections on the tracks. Day to day I am either in the office looking at level crossings, and managing them or out carrying out inspections on the track, you see the difference between been on a train and actually doing work on the tracks the public don't see what goes on.see the difference between been on a train and actually doing work on the tracks the public don't see what goes on.

Yes I have gained a level 3 BTEC and a lot of knowledge while being with the technical team about fine detail measurements of switches and crossings , measuring breathers up ready for hot and cold weather risks, I have gained tickets throughout my apprenticeship in year 2 and are currently still going on courses for relevant tickets tickets

Yeah I have really enjoyed my programme meeting new people when I was down in Portsmouth for the first year and met a lot of different people with a range of different skills within depot.

I feel very valued within the company as they are giving me a lot of responsibility to look after different data cuts and carrying out inspections on different parts of the infrastructure

It was okay the first year but now in the second year dates can change and so on, but other than that its fine. None of our courses have changed once but it could be more organised.

A lot of support from my training provider when I go to Portsmouth if I need the help from them. I have gained support where I need it in carrying out my log books and other tasks.

Yes a lot if I need help and support I will just ask and I will get it from them. And I help them if they stuck with certain things. The younger generation are great helps like with using computers and technology so help out the guys in the team

Yes it is okay for people my age of 19 but if you are used to working and earning a lot more and then deciding to come on the apprenticeship you will struggle but when you come out of your time you will see the most of it.

The first year of the apprenticeship yes there is allot of opportunities but in the second and third years there isn't much chance because the fact is there is a lot of work to be doing and don't have much free time.

Yes

As it offers a good career, a life time career, you meet alo9t of people and can grow as a person and gain skills. You will see what actually goes on when the trains stop running and you will think differently when you’re on the train next.

When going for the interview at the assessment centres, just remember to have little stories that you can p[lay on when they asking you question it works a lot easier, that's how I did it and I got the apprenticeship ahead of 8,000 other people, read up on network rail apprenticeship and what the different disciplines are.