Apprentice Signalling Design Engineer Review

The first year of my apprenticeship consisted of full time college attendance. At college I completed a level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations where I carried out practical fitting tasks, electrical installation and maintenance. I also completed year one of my BTEC Level 3 in Electronic Engineering, I would complete the second year on day release from my workplace. Now in the workplace I am an 'Apprentice Signalling Design Engineer'. Day to day I help with the design process of rail signalling systems. Obviously my experience and knowledge is very limited at the moment so therefore I work under a design mentor completing the tasks they require me to do. Projects I have been a part of so far are Liverpool Lime Street, Weaver to Wavertree and Manchester to Preston.

I have definitely learnt both new skills directly related to the industry and I have also developed other skills for example, my presentation skills, attention to detail and problem solving skills.

I do enjoy my apprenticeship programmme but sometimes I do get frustrated as I like to be involved as much as possible and sometimes this is not always possible due to the technical level of the work.

I do feel very much part of a team here at Siemens. Everybody from fellow apprentices right up to the directors I see seem to appreciate my work ad willingness to learn.

My first year of the apprenticeship was very well organised along with all the training I have attended. When I first joined the office the task delegation, induction, support and team was not greatly organised or managed however, this is improving. I think an improvement for the training team would be to have more knowledge on the possible educational routes after your first and second year at college.

Siemens are very supportive and are happy to provide training, resources and materials whenever required.

Siemens are very supportive and are happy to provide training, resources and materials whenever required.

The salary is very good for an apprenticeship programmme. It is important to bear in mind your travel costs to work as this is something that dents my pay.

I have been to different conferences and events with Siemens and I am aware of lots of volunteering opportunities inside and outside of the business.

Yes

Siemens seems like a great company to develop in who really looks after their employees. There is certainly room for improvement with the apprenticeship scheme but it has been very beneficial to me.

Learn as much as you can about the business and the rail/engineering industry. Be confident in the interviews and be the instigator and leader in the group activities.