Track apprentice Review

My role within the network rail apprenticeship scheme is working tracks on the railway. This includes tasks such as maintenance, renewals, technical surveys, inspections and planning. Currently I am on a maintenance placement so day to day I will change and maintain track components such as rail, ballast and sleepers.

Whilst on the apprenticeship scheme I have learnt how to become a good team player as working on the railway requires constant work within a team. This has developed my communication skills and with the railway being a fast paced environment it has allowed me to think on my feet a lot more.

The programme is very varied as it includes 9 months studying at a training centre where you learn the basics about the railway and skills which will help once the apprenticeship is completed. Once the 9 months is over you are able to implement everything you have learnt as you are assigned to a depot.

As an apprentice I feel like I am part of a big operation to increase the number of younger workers on the railway to provide new ideas and a different outlook on projects. However I will feel more valued once I have completed the scheme and I have my own role with responsibilities

The programme is very well organised with structured learning every couple of months at a training centre after the initial 9 months of training. In between training is time for gaining experience on the railway with different teams who all have different roles so no 2 days are the same.

The training provider gives us support when we are at the training centre which we can then implement at our depots. However the support provided at our depots isn't as widely available which gives you the ability to gain experience freely and work to becoming an independent learner.

Network rail have provided much needed support whilst at the training centre however this could be improved whilst apprentices are at their depots.

Whilst we were learning at the training centre we were provided with accommodation and supplied food whilst earning a wage which was good. However now we are based at home at a depot the salary does not always meet my personal needs for someone who is 24, but is ideal for any school leaver.

There are many opportunities outside of work at the training centre, a gym is provided with football pitches and a whole other range of sport facilities. There are also opportunities to take part in events such as marathons and sky dives. However whilst being based at my depot I have not found many opportunities outside of work

Yes

The opportunities after the apprenticeship are varied and the Salary is good. The day to day tasks are always different and challenging, no two days are the same.

Keep trying if you fail. I failed the first year I applied with the online assessments. However I went back the following year and passed. Be confident and positive at the interview, try and think outside the box