Trainee technician Review

Trainee technician, which means under the guidance of my grade 4 I am learning what it takes to become a qualified S&T technician. This involves doing day-to-day maintenance on the equipment and finding faults when they come up. Along with installing new equipment. With this is time spent in Portmsouth where we conduct our studies to get our NVQ qualifications.

Yes. Many, ranging from being able to understand simple S&T circuits which are very difficult to understand. I am able to work competently on many pieces of equipment. While in Portsmouth I was obtaining my NVQs and BTECs to allow me to pass the apprenticeship these were in railway engineering. I have also learnt what it is like to live away from home and gained an understanding of the 'real world'.

I enjoy my job as it is challenging and interesting. I am always doing new things and working with new people. The work can at times be frustrating due to the difficult nature of it but once the job is completed there is a sense of satisfaction. The team I work with on a regular basis is full of guys who are really fun to be around despite the age gap between myself and them.

As an apprentice your achievements aren't really recognised until after the scheme as you move into a role where you have responsibilities. My line manager always shows an interest in what I am doing and how I am getting on. I am always involved by my team and they take the time to explain things if I am eager to learn.

It is structured well as the programme is clearly laid out when we return for our academic courses, and what we need to get done while we are out on the job. The support for work could be improved as our line managers have little to do with what is going on in Portsmouth, however while we are on the courses it is of a high level.

The tutors are always contactable as we can email them any day with any question, and while we are on the courses they provide they are always willing to answer any questions. With problems they tend to give you feedback in a question form to encourage us as apprentices to learn how to deal with and overcome these.

My manager is always available for me to contact. He also encourages me to contact him with any queries I have with work I have done out on the railway. He is always happy to take 10 minutes to have a conversation with me regarding the scheme. The support I receive off of Network rail is allowing me to progress through my apprenticeship

As year 2 apprentices we are paid the NMW, this allows me to do the things I want to do as I have few bills to pay. However if I was living away from home I do not feel the salary would meet my costs. The travel costs aren't too bad as we are subsidised 75% on our rail season tickets.

within network rail itself there aren't many opportunities such as company events or activities. However while I was on the residential part of my course in portmsouth at HMS Collingwood there was opportunities to do all sorts ranging from tough mudder to just playing 5 a side football in the evenings.

Yes

As it is an enjoyable job that is challenging but rewarding. There are many opportunities to progress through the company and it is a well paid job once you are fully qualified. It is also a very secure job as the rail is growing and expanding very quickly. The new projects are exciting to be a part of and I would recommend this scheme to anyone leaving school or college.

Take your time with the application process to answer the questions truthfully and as best as you can. The interviews be yourself and make sure you emphasise your ability to work as part of a team as this Is integral to the job. Assessment days make sure you stand out during the group task, don't be nervous and quiet as you won't get the job. Put your idea forward and make yourself heard and you will be noticed.