S+T Apprentice Review

I am an S+T apprentice and on a day to day basis I spend most of my time with my assigned team. With this team I go out on track and help preform the maintenance tasks we have been given. If a fault occurs while we are on shift then we will look into it and attempt to resolve it. Every couple of months I attend training courses to gain my qualifications.

I have learnt a whole host of new skills while being a part of the advanced apprenticeship scheme. I have learnt many physical skills to help complete tasks. As well as this I have developed my skills of working in a team as well as leading it. Communication skills are key in this job role and network rail have helped me develop them to the desired standard.

I enjoy the programme very much. It isn't what I pictured myself doing as a female but it is a very satisfying and rewarding job. I am learning new things every day and I am surrounded by great people all wanting to help me learn. I couldn't imagine myself in any other job.

The amount of money and time network rail puts into its apprentices, makes me feel very valued. We have regular reviews and are provided with equipment to help us learn such as iPhones and tool kits. I also feel appreciated as the scheme lets us explore the company and let's us spend time on placements in different job roles should we wish to take a different route within the company.

The programme is relatively well organised. At times the dates when we go for our intervals of training in portsmouth can be hard to meet as the do sometimes change. This however is getting better as more staff have ben employed in the training school. It is nice to see they are making an active effort to make it easier for apprentices.

I attend training courses Avery 3 months or so where I have direct contact with a trainer where I receive lots of support and am taught many things. As well as this I have 12 weekly reviews with my manger to review my progress, and he supports me with any issues I have.

My training provider is network rail; my employer. As stated I feel like I receive a great deal of support. Not just from managers and trainers but also my team mates who are always trying to teach me new things.

I believe the salary is well suited as it jumps up every year so it matches your knowledge base well. I love quite far away from my depot so I do spend a lot of money on travelling to work, however that was my own decision.

As I live quite far away from my work place I do not get I loved in many activities to do with my depot. However there is a football team for the depot.

Yes

I feel they are a great company to work for, who care for their employees. I think it is an interesting job role and can help you develop yourself as a person not just your career.

Never doubt yourself and always try your hardest. That way you can have pride in everything you do. Don't be afraid to reply because of who you are be that a girl, someone who isn't strong or someone who has no idea of how the railway works. They really facilitate for everyone.