Rolling Stock Technician Review

My job title is Rolling Stock Technician. Day to day, I maintain trains that are planned to come onto the depot. I carry out exam (service) tasks and assist with other programmes like modifications. I work with other technicians as part of a team. I interact with representatives from the customer often as well, keeping them up to date with how work is going and maintaining a good relationship. I am responsible for ensuring my work is to the highest standard and following procedure.

I have completed a BTEC level 3 in electrical engineering, as well as an NVQ in performing engineering operations. I am in the process of completing a HNC in electrical engineering and an NVQ level 3. I have done many internal training courses in which I learnt more about the vehicles I work on. Personally, my skills have developed a lot and I have learnt a lot since I started working at Siemens Rail Systems. I joined straight from secondary school so I did not have any trade/ skill behind me and Siemens have been very good at ensuring they get the best from us.

I enjoy coming to work because every day I have a new challenge. My job is not the same thing after another and each day I have to think about what to do and the best way to do it. I also enjoy working with my team as I get on well with everybody. The company is good and I am glad I work for such a big and far-reaching company with many opportunities for progression.

I do feel valued by Siemens as I can see they are laying foundation for my own future. They are helping me get qualifications and ensuring I am trained properly. I am invited to join projects and I get involved with lots of tasks here.

Towards the beginning of my apprenticeship there was a lot of confusion. For example, I never had a proper 'Welcome to Siemens' induction. I also missed the first week of college as when I started I had not been put down for the college course. As time went on though, the apprenticeship became more structured. I can understand though, because I am one of the first few apprentices Siemens have taken on using this new structure making me a 'trailblazer'.

My college course is very self-learning. We attend lectures, take notes and work on assignments by ourselves. However, if I need guidance I know my tutor is available to talk to.

My manager and mentor both support me however they can when it comes to work. They are eager to put me on training courses and help me learn new methods etc. The HR team I have not dealt with much. My training providers at NTAR are very supportive and helpful. In terms of IT support, I believe the company is not as good as other areas. IT issues I have had in the past and even still today take too long to get resolved and make things very frustrating as it makes it much harder to do your job.

My salary is very good for my age. I earn more than enough to look after living costs, travel costs and everything else.

The team at NTAR are very good at getting us to events outside of work. There are always volunteering events to go to and conferences/ meetings to attend. These are very good as they allow us to get an insight into the industry.

Yes

Siemens are a good company and anybody who works there could have a career for life. There are many different opportunities in many different sectors.

Don't stress if you feel overwhelmed on the online tests. I did and feel I didn't do so good on them, but I got to the interview. At the interviews, it doesn't matter if you don't know much about the industry; just show your are willing to learn and you are a good team player. I feel like things were explained to me pretty well when I started.