Apprentice Review

The role I am in is Signalling. I work with a maintenance depot and learn how to do the day in and day out work such as maintenance and faulting shifts where there is a variety of work and tasks to attend each week. My initial training has been very good and I have so far learnt a lot. The start of the apprenticeship we learn about ILM and business studies in which is why I have given 8 stars as I do not see the relevance.

Since starting the job I have learnt a lot. Whilst at Westwood I learnt basic electrical skills and was given a vast overview and knowledge of electrical principles. I learnt how to wire up dolls houses and create ring main circuits and serial. I also learnt how to build working miniature circuits in which function and work to the industry standard if not better. These are all new skills in which I was new to learning.

I very much enjoyed the programme and am currently enjoying it. I did not enjoy the first 21 weeks in Westwood as much as I thought, hence the dropping of 2 stars however I very much enjoy the depot that I find the best part of the apprenticeship. Doing the actual job is the best part.

I feel very valued by Network rail. The company has put a lot of time and effort into myself as an apprentice. My line manager is very supportive and is always ready to support me in my needs. Along with the teachers and other depot staff. All treat me as an equal and make me feel like one of the Network Rail staff.

The programme is very well organised however some aspects are not as well organised as they should be. I have seen other apprentices struggle to find out who their managers are along with even making contact with them! However Tracey King the apprentice manager is amazing when it comes to fixing these problems and got straight on it. However over all minus a few lack of communication problems here and there is well organised.

Overall the support I received at Westwood was very good. I was taught very well by some teachers who always explained what I did not understand. However some teachers were very poor in teaching and furthermore answering your questions in which have been asked. Some teachers did not seem to put in effort to help or even know how to answer basic questions and queries. But general attitudes and tutors were very good and helped make lessons more enjoyable.

I received a lot of support from my employer. We are given constant reminders from management about all of the support systems and help that is put in place along with high access to support such as ADFs with a generally good attitude to supporting our work needs.

The general salary is not unfair overall but at the same time could be higher. The wage is a okay but could be better as I find living costs and wages are not balanced. Network rail is very good at providing 75% off of our travel cards but the wage can make it hard to support social costs.

There are many other opportunities in the work place and after the apprenticeship with our knowledge we should be able to move around the company if we want with different roles and placements. We are given work experience in our general apprenticeship scheme which is good as it can broaden our views and give us better overviews. We also get to visit new locations and areas which is very good.

Yes

I think it is a very good company to work and learn from as well as develop new skills and explore a new, interesting career within the UK's railway industry. The work is very good, fun and is well supported and educational.

Prepare for the interviews, Study hard and have a good will to learn. And overall enjoy the experience.