Apprentice Signalling Technician Review

by Network Rail

Rating

8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My job involves carrying out maintenance on Signalling equipment either during the day or at night, I work 12 hour shifts and only work in a Green Zone work environment. (Scotland)

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Having previously carried out an apprenticehip in Offshore Mechanical Engineering I knew what the apprentice life was going to be like, low wages and hard work but in the end it all pays off. As I am now electrical based I feel that I am very flexible now when working with either mechanical or electrical appliances and I love learning something new everyday.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The work itself is hard going but the people around you are always there for support and guidance and it is always going to be fun when you start off working with people you never knew before, the company has a safety driven culture which is driven into you from day one and I feel happy at this stage in my career to be able to progress to future opportunities.

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by Network Rail?

I feel very valued and part of the team as everyone is so nice and involving. I also feel that the people around me want me to succeed as much as I do which is a bonus as it motivates me when times are tough. the support offered is great and there are many perks to my job.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I'd say the initial start of the programme was very well organised but may have been delivered better due to not being very rail specific. the staff are all amazing and supportive and im king forward to the next two years.

10/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

The support is always there if I need it but I tend to just batter on myself and get the work done.

10/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Much like my trainer the support is always there but it is a little more focused from my employer as they only have me to worry about in comparison too a having a number of apprentices to look after.

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

The salary in my opinion for the first year is ridiculously awful as I feel I should be getting paid a lot more but as the years progress it gets better.

1/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

not as yet, well as far as I am aware

1/10

9. Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

As they are a great company to work for and there are many opportunities to exceed your expectations.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?

Be very open and available to working times and do not be scared to get stuck in to everything that's put in front of you