Distribution and Plant apprentice Review

I am an Distribution and Plant apprentice. The apprenticeship is split between study (at HMS Sultan or Westwood)and a practical element at depot. At either of the two study centres you are learning for the qualifications you will receive in the apprenticeship. At depot depending on what the management is like you could be placed in to a team and on shift or do a different schedule such as day shifts; going out with a team can involve tasks such as: monthly generator and other plant equipment checks, installation of replacement equipment, driving for three hours to get to a work site, building inspections and occasional trackside work. Depending on who I am working with, I am not relied on to do many tasks and I will mainly watch someone do work. Other apprentices get the chance to be more hands on: it all depends on what depot you are at and what your manager/colleagues are like.

The structure of the course is not clear and it is not informative in what qualifications you are working towards or will receive. As I know, you receive a level 3 qualification in engineering, a level 2 qualification in performing engineering operations in your first year at Westwood. Throughout years 2 and 3 you will receive some railway specific training and an NVQ in railway engineering, I believe. You learn some vital engineering skills through the apprenticeship which are specific to your trade and valuable skills which help you complete your role, majority of these skills are learnt on the job. Network Rail competencies may be provided by your depot, some apprentices have but I have not, yet. Communication and patience are key within Network Rail and I have developed these skills since being here. The other practical skills and knowledge of electrical systems I have learnt have been really enjoyable and I look forward to getting to use them.

Being at depot is enjoyable as you learn about your job and the teams that I work with are comical. Some of the work we carry out is interesting as it can get complex, majority of the work is just inspection though and can be tedious at times. Although Westwood has some great facilities it can get boring in your down time. The training for the academic qualifications in the first year is provided by Babcock, the course is not enjoyable as the content is very mundane. I expected more technical training and work to be carried out by Network Rail, however I have enjoyed what I have learnt so far.

My colleagues make me feel very included and I feel like one of the team. Some team members let me do more work than other which makes me feel appreciated and valued. I feel like a hindrance to the management at depot. The Westwood and Sultan staff treat you as equals and recognise when you do well.

Whilst you are at Westwood or Sultan the organisation and communication is brilliant. There was a good routine and every single person was informed. There is a good support network through the apprenticeship with mentors that can help you with the study or give you advice related to Network Rail. There is little communication between the apprentice staff and the depot management; different policies for apprentices are in place and the rules for apprentices are not known by staff at the depot, therefore they are unsure of what to do. It all depends on how much interest your manager takes in you, for how much support you will receive and the opportunities you will get.

The mentors provide excellent support for you and can help you with any queries or concerns. The mentors have regular reviews to track your progress and to set targets. The mentors can be contacted at any time.

Within the Network Rail hierarchy there will be someone who can help you although it can be challenging working out who to ask. Some managers are reluctant to help you do not want the hassle. HR are an absolute nightmare to get hold of and take ages to sort out any queries.

The wages in the first year are very low and it is a struggle to live: the wages would accommodate a school leaver fine but not an adult. Wages increase in years 2 and 3 of the apprenticeship, by a few thousand each time. There is the option of a subsidised travel ticket, on the train, to work which helps with the cost but it is not that great. People tend to get lunch from a café/shop when on the way to a job but you can easily bring a packed lunch to work.

At Westwood and HMS Sultan there are fitness clubs/classes/opportunities. Apprentices were encouraged to organise events which Network Rail supported. Now at depot there are no opportunities which I have come across so far.

No

I would encourage a friend to pick something more challenging and that would provide a higher level of training.

Learn some prior knowledge about the railway and some railway orientation. Also research what discipline you would like to do and learn a bit about it before your interview.