apprentice technician Review

apprentice signalling technician, my job is to Observe, learn and assist my team in daily maintenance and renewals of railway apparatus. no two days are the same and I can often be found also doing renewals. I am also responsible for my own portfolio of NVQ work which is required for me to become qualified.

I will be working towards a Btec in engineering, nvq level 3 in railway engineering and Institute of leadership management award. Network rail also provide further training required for my role, this can include driving courses, further development in management, kaizen and also unive3rsity qualifications if I wish to further my career too.

I enjoy my programme a lot. I like that my job gets me out and about and always keeping up with new technology too. I work in a fantastic team within a growing company and ever changing rail network

I always feel valued, my team leader and line manager always look after me and I know that I can ask anyone within the company questions. I am always encouraged to try and take on tasks or question that will push me and the way I see it, that's happening because they want me to become a good technician.

fantastic. from initial start date to where I am now. of course there are things that could be improved on, however this hasn't hindered my learning. there are so many support networks for you in place right from the start and network rail even push you in the right direction to help you in terms of external support networks too. which to me shows they value their employees.

tutors are always very helpful and don't shy away from answering queries you may have. there are also systems in place to help people with learning difficulties as well as guidance for support out with your workplace. often tutors will research there own material to help support the material they have been provided to help your learning further.

my employer is always on hands to help me and the HR team are fantastic too. network rail pay for all my travel to training courses so this is a massive weight off our shoulders. guidance notes are kept on an accessible folder within company computers so we can always refer to material to help our learning if need be. network rail has a positive attitude towards helping its apprentices along.

coming from a job that paid slightly more, to the apprenticeship scheme, was hard. however pay structures and overtime rates etc. have all just been increased and it brings the scheme in to line with national living wages for described ages. once I am qualified the package is very good. travel and living costs are paid for whilst at courses as well and food and drink.

plenty of company events can be found. Network rail also provide days off to allow employees to carry out charity/volunteer work. at Westwood there is leisure facilities as well as social ones including sports hall, gym, pool tables and a bar.

Yes

I have enjoyed the scheme so far and although it can be tough at times, it's very rewarding.

the application process is tough but try your best. be yourself and try to not stress on assessment centre days. the company looks for people who can work well in a team as well as on their own so even though it's cliché, just be you. research the disciplines and which ones are available at the local depot you're applying for and try and gear your answers towards the potential discipline/s you may end up doing. if you get offered a place, get involved in as much activities at Westwood as you can and get out and about. make the most of your time away! most of all, stick in!