Apprentice signalling engineer Review

by Network Rail

Rating

9.3/10

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

I am a signalling maintenance apprentice, this is both a mechanical and electrical role to maintain the signals and the points.

10/10

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

I have learnt a lot of new skills in the practical area and even some old style techniques that are not seen very often. As part of the apprenticeship there is a leadership management course which I have learnt a lot of new skills and techniques from.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It is a good programme but some subjects need changing within it so that t he apprentices leave and are able to go straight into work and have a reasonable grasp of what they need to do. The provided accommodation is amazing, all the food provided and a newly refurbished bedroom.

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by Network Rail?

I am told repeatedly that the apprentices are the future of the company and have been told how much I can develop within the company.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Some courses were trained to the wrong people in the training programme, there was a track class that worked on points but they do not work on them in the real world, the s and t do but they did not do any work on points. One course was made in the final month of the placement and was not well organised and caused a lot of trouble.

7/10

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

The company supports all needs and has a free help line for any problems that you can think of.

10/10

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

At depot all employees are happy to help with any work I need hep with to get my coursework done.

10/10

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

For an apprenticeship it is a good wage in the second and third year, however in the first year it is considerably lower and as I live in London it barely covers my rent, a lot of people struggle to pay bills and be able to live.

7/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

The company provides many extra courses that can further enhance your skills

10/10

9. Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

This is one of the best apprenticeships and it is a job for life and a good place to be able to develop.

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

Thoroughly prepare yourself for the interviews.