Apprentice Signalling Design Engineer Review

Apprentice Signalling Design Engineer, involved in the design of various signalling design tasks within the office. Gaining evidence towards achieving my assistant designers licence. Day-to-day I work alongside design engineers (inc. assistant, leader and senior designers), to produce a variety of signalling design documents. Opportunities (mainly weekends) to be involved with the testing of equipment designed out trackside (when qualified after attending relevant courses).

First year of the apprenticeship spent full time at college studying BTEC level 3 and NVQ 2 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Second year spent 4 days in the design office, one day release to college to complete second year of the BTEC course. Alongside this I am completing NVQ 3, relevant licensing documents and work related courses. I have also had many opportunities to volunteer for Siemens, to promote women into engineering and apprenticeships in general. Reaching out to all age groups.

The apprenticeship exceeds all my expectations and I feel very welcome within the design office despite being an apprentice. I work within a strong design team with lots of exciting work ahead for the future. I would recommend this apprenticeship to anyone who is interested in working for Siemens and within the rail industry (signalling).

Very, as stated above, I feel very involved within my team and given great opportunities to be designing for the actual team project. They have supported me through the various courses which I have attended and actively encourage volunteering.

Training is well structured, with procedures and mentors in place to help if necessary. For design work is is procedure to be mentored and this is a great way to learn from the best and become actively involved in the role. Day release in the second year is a good way to get the best of both worlds, gaining qualifications and experience alongside each other.

Tutors at the college are experienced within their subjects, many have worked in industry before becoming a tutor. This allows them to help us gain the knowledge which will be expected from us of our employer.

I have a designated mentor within the office for day-to-day work, an assessor who I see every 3 months and is contactable for any training concerns/issues, etc. There is also a local apprentice manager who is available for this too and is someone within the office so easier to speak with (face to face) at any time.

I commute 80 miles (round trip) each day to get to work but this is not a worry for me as my salary is very good for an apprentice. My living costs are relatively minor so I have a lot left over for savings.

There are loads of opportunities to volunteer through Siemens. I have also become a STEM Ambassador after this was also promoted, allowing myself to access many more volunteering activities. The events which I have already been involved in include; school science fairs, women into engineering career fairs and The Big Bang Fair.

Yes

Because I enjoy coming to work and know what a great place it is to work. The support from everyone within my team and office is very positive.

On interview be calm and be yourself, promote relevant previous work (e.g. school/college graphics, engineering and technology projects, etc). For assessment days don't be scared to speak ideas, it might be something the employer is looking for (think outside the box). Also, do your research into the position, company and general field (e.g. basic electrical engineering).