Signalling Enginnering Apprentice Review

I work within works delivery S&T (Signalling). My role on day shifts during the the week and weekends involves prepping any jobs that we have scheduled. This varies from making off cables (stripping, applying moisture barrier, heat shrinking, applying Idents & crimping) to stripping out points machine and renewing them or collecting equipment to ensure we have the equipment needed to carry out the work. If it’s a signal we are renewing we will go to the site of work and prep the site. From time to time there are jobs that can be carried out during the day when the lines are open such as running 500metres worth of cable and setting it in the route. Night shifts are where we get the bulk of our work done this includes renewing signals, route indicators, points machines. We carry out a number of tests after installing any new equipment which varies depending on the equipment we renew. I have learnt a number of skills in a short period of time, having been at depot for two months. I have learnt how to make cables off correctly, wire up disk boxes to the correct standard. Carry out a face point locking test & retention test for points machines. I have learnt how to test a signal upon completion using the wiring diagram. I have began to learn various abbreviations that are used on the railway and how to understand these abbreviation when looking at a diagram. I have learnt various symbols that are used in diagrams. I’ve learn how to strip out various equipment. I’ve learnt how to use equipment that assists us with the job.

I have learnt a number of skills in a short period of time, having been at depot for two months. I have learnt how to make cables off correctly, wire up disk boxes to the correct standard. Carry out a face point locking test & retention test for points machines. I have learnt how to test a signal upon completion using the wiring diagram. I have began to learn various abbreviations that are used on the railway and how to understand these abbreviation when looking at a diagram. I have learnt various symbols that are used in diagrams. I’ve learn how to strip out various equipment. I’ve learnt how to use equipment that assists us with the job.

Currently I am enjoying the programme a great deal, Ive settled in at my depot. You can feel a little apprehensive coming away from your class mates having spent 6 months with them during the foundation part of the programme and being thrown into the unknown. Thankfully my colleagues have been helpful and have given me opportunities to get stuck in. I look forward to the future and gaining more competencies which will help in developing my technical knowledge.

As an employee of Network Rail I do feel valued, my needs have been met and I am praised for working hard when completing jobs. I feel a part of my team and feel confident that my line manager/supervisors would take me seriously should I need to voice any concerns. Having said that, it can’t be difficult at times within a team of experienced colleagues to feel a valued member of the team as an apprentice but I’m sure this will improve as i progress through the programme and become qualified.

During the 8 months that I have been on the programme it has been well organised and scructured. Network Rail is generally a very organised organisation to work for and are pro active.

We receive a fair amount of support from our training provider. There are clearly some intstructors who are passionate about what they do which really does help. There are some units of the programme however, that more so require instructors who have been on the railway to help bring the units to life for us Apprentices. The support is there if needed and it all boils down to the learners individual needs some Apprentices require more help than others. The support is there which is good.

Network Rail are a very supportive employer to work for, they have accommadeted my needs on a number of occasions. For example, during Ramadan they have been considerate to the fact that I will be fasting and have arranged for me to have adjusted working hours or work night shifts. At Westwood as a returning apprentice they have accommadted me by allowing my to stay on site instead of a hotel as it is during Ramadan that I am returning. My colleagues have supported me by teaching me a number of techniques and skills. My colleagues and other apprentices have supported me in achieving a fundraising target during what can be a difficult period for me. The team at Westwood are extremely supportive to apprentices and can sometimes go that extra mile to make sure your looked after.

The salary package is poor for apprentices and needs massive improvement. The salary package that apprentices are on is manageabme whilst you are living at one of the training centres ( Westwood or Sultan) and have accommodation and catering provided. As soon as you start at depot your outgoings increase and the wage is not manageable especially in London. There are a number of large organisations competing with Network Rail who’s first year apprentice starting salary is greater than what you get in the third year of the apprenticeship with Network Rail. It requires a great deal of patience to live on the salary package that Network Rail offer their apprentices. I am always doing overtime to increase my salary and expose myself to big jobs. Having said that, once qualified you can be on good money.

I got involved in the Coventry 10k run whilst at Westwood which was great, I managed to exceed my fundraising target and raise money for a charity that was close to home. At Westwood you hold house meetings where apprentices can voice any ideas for activities to get involved in outside of work. At depot I’m yet to have been offered any opportunities outside of work but it has only been two months and this could change in the future.

Yes

I have already recommended Network Rail to a number of friends. There is the opportunity to progress within the organisation if you are hardworking. My dealings with Network Rail have been nothing but positive from the assessment day to today. Overall, Network Rail are a good employer to work for and value there employees. There are a lot worse organisations or employers out there that you could work for. The apprenticeship scheme offers an extensive amount of learning with a good amount of opportunities.

Be yourself during interview, research Network Rail and gain an understanding of what it is we do on the Railway. Try and get some experience on the railway or another safety critical role whether that be through work experience or voluntary. Try and speak to someone who works on the Railway who may be able to give you some important information. If you are successful at interview, be pro active with your assignments and get them done as soon as you can. A backlog of assignments can cause a lot of stress for those who have poor time management skills. If you enjoy working outdoors in all weathers and working with your hands you’ll love working for Network Rail. If you haven’t done anything like that before still apply because you could end up loving working for Network Rail. As long as you work hard, are keen and show a willingness to learn you can go far. Good luck!