Signals & Telecoms Apprentice Review

Whilst located at the depot, it is our responsibility to try to learn as much as we can from the senior engineers working upon the rail infrastructure. I am able to help with tasks (Where qualified) and assist with the routine maintenance. Whilst attending training for modules, we are then housed at a network rail training facility where we are taught theory and practical, followed by practice on the equipment, where we are then, finally tested to assess our competency on said equipment.

Every day I am able to learn something new about my job. This can range from testing point equipment, repairing point equipment, taking electrical readings on live equipment, plus much, much more. It is such a vast industry that there would be too much to list.

The work is varied and with that brings a level of excitement! This industry is totally alien to 98% of the apprentices on the program, so every day you are able to encounter a new challenge, or snippet of useful information. The teams are fun to be around, very inclusive (in my experience) but still hold safety as paramount and in the highest regard. I was a little nervous coming into the program, but now it is well underway, I can honestly say that is has been the best decision that I ever could have made and I consider myself to be a very fortunate individual to have been selected by my depot to be their newest S&T Apprentice

In on word, very! My Line Manager [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is keen to see me develop, with his key words being 'don't try to learn it all at once' I believe he feels that he does not want me to rush, he wants me to learn and to be come a thorough, well trained engineer. When I am out with the boys, I never shy away from work and I am not afraid to get my hands dirty or do the less desirable jobs. It seems to be appreciated and therefore I do feel respected within the team.

It can seem confusing to look at the timetable, however it seems to have been all planned meticulously. Also, where possible, Network Rail (Westwood) have been very helpful in accommodating family situations into the training program. This also goes too for depot, where my Line Manager is perfectly happy to fit my into shifts that best suit the training program.

All the support we could ever need. Babcock staff have so far been so very helpful in ensuring that we are getting the correct amount of learning material and information for the courses/modules that we are sitting. Any pastoral problems seem to have been sorted for those who needed it, and there is a good rapport between staff and pupils at the training centres/colleges.

As mentioned above, nothing is too much trouble when I am located at depot. Be it my Line manager, supervisor, admin staff or even the teams out on track. Any information is easy to access or if not, there will always be someone who will know the answer or be able to guide me in the right direction

It has been a little bit of a struggle once we have been located at depot (i.e, Fuel, food, living costs) However, we appreciate that we are very fortunate as some NVQ's would have to be funded by ourselves. Once Network Rail allowed us to work some overtime and claim night enhancements, we are able to put in just a few extra hours so that we can treat ourselves in the month.. So really, it does meet our costs, as by the 2nd year we should definitely be able to live comfortably

There is lots to get involved in if you look in the correct places. The Connect website is a great portal for information on events and is also a great way to find out about things going on throughout the company and its network.

Yes

This truly is a 'premium' apprenticeship. I know of no other scheme which will house, feed and teach its apprentices under one roof, and with that roof being Westwood in Coventry, it realy brings home how very fortunate we are to be part of such a prestigious scheme such as this. The potential is there for someone to be earing a very, very comfortable salary upon the completion of their course and that cannot be said of all schemes. The rail industry is so massive and crosses so many disciplines, that the potential for a persons growth is huge!

Be confident, do your research and prepare to attain a passion for the rail that you never thought that you would. The application process can seem long, but it is well structured and if you are fortunate enough to make it through to the interview stage, the somewhat unorthodox approach to an 'interview' is a refreshing and fun experience.