Apprentice Signalling Technician Review

My role within Network rail is an apprentice signalling technician. Daily tasks during this apprenticeship will include fixing signals, wiring signal boxes and maintenance work to ensure that the railway is safe. On a day to day basis work will commence at 8.15am. During my training period of the first 5 months I have been based at the Network Rail Westwood facility. The facility has been excellent and has provided me with vital tools and knowledge which I will take into my job role when fully qualified.

During this apprenticeship I have gained qualifications in functional skills maths and English. A level3 in technical maths. A level 3 in electronic principles and a level 2 practical certificates such as electronic maintenance and electrical engineering. I have also gained the Personal track safety qualification which allows me to work safely in a railway environment.

I have enjoyed learning through the apprenticeship as I have made friends for from all around the country. I fell like I have also learnt valuable life skills and knowledge which I will carry out into everyday working life at my depot. The apprenticeship exceeded my expectations as the Westwood facility has been second to none.

I feel very valued at Network Rail as I am always respected by peers and by the training staff at the Westwood facility. I have ever had any concerns the Westwood team would sort out my concerns very swiftly and they would also do It extremely efficiently. I have received regular emails from my line manager also to ensure he is kept up to date with my personal progress.

The programme is structured extremely well and also I do not believe the course is dragged too long. The initial course is 5 months which means you finish all of your year 1 theory work in less than half a year. The course does not feel rushed and if there is ever any additional help that may be needed the Westwood staff are always on hand to help.

I receive a lot of support from Babcock who are my training provider they always email me regarding deadlines and they have always been there to help me with any problems I may have or any questions I may wish to ask. If ever I have had concerns regarding the workload they have emailed me back straight away to resolve the issue.

I receive a lot of support from tutors and also my manager. I have had concerns regarding deadlines with my work and they have always been on hand top help me through my problems. My manager has always emailed me to ask if I have any concerns with my workload and if I need any extra support.

The salary for the first year of the apprenticeship is not very much and it is pretty hard to live on especially when you move away from Westwood and move to your depots. For the first 5 months food, accommodation and travel is all paid for so it extremely important to behave accordingly and pass all your exams as you receive a bonus of a £1500 at the end of the first year of the apprenticeship.

There are many opportunities outside of work within Network Rail. These opportunities come as things such as charity events and volunteer work. During my first 5 months we had the opportunity to partake in a 10K run to raise money for Barnardos charity. We also had the money to collect money at the charity event.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Network Rail to a friend as during this apprenticeship I have learnt valuable skills which I will take into my working environment. It gave me the opportunity to live away from home for 5 months for free and also the apprenticeship has allowed me to make friends with people from all around the country.

The tips I would give to future aspiring apprentices would be to always be punctual and smart. I would also tell them to turn up to the interview early to ensure they are prepared properly. I would also tell them to come with a willingness to learn and not be defeated easily as there are always tutors and managers within Network Rail who are willing to help you.