Systems Peformance Engineer Review

My role involves using analytics, modeling and simulations to solve problems which may arise in projects and establish better alternatives if need be. I am primarily office based and use a range of computer programs and tools. I work as part of a team of engineers and will complete jobs for specific projects across the network. So far I have done some work on depots and rail junctions across London.

Engineering is a whole new area for me, as I have no previous experience or qualifications in the subject. Starting this apprenticeship has provided me with a basic understanding of engineering, and specific knowledge on my team in particular. There's a great range of internal courses to also help with self development from report writing to track awareness.

Its great knowing that our team is having a impact on the major projects taking place across London. Running models and simulations is great, and seeing results from my work. Sometimes the data preparation side of things can be dull and repetitive, but the more accurate the data you gather is, the better the result. Visits outside the office, even to those not directly linked to the work I do are very interesting and gives a great insight on how the rest of the company works.

The structure and organisation of my scheme hasn't been a strong point overall. For he first 4 months of the scheme, we didn't have a fixed manager or sponsor, or any other support roles for that matter. This made starting a slight struggle as we were often left with little direction and support if we had any issues. Luckily, my placement manager - also having been a graduate more than understands the position I'm in and has been more than helpful with guidance and introducing me into the team and my job role. We have had some issues with our training provider also which has put more pressure on the scheme and leaves some things unsure. My expectations were much higher.

My employer is great for providing support across a range of areas from mental health to personal development and taking next steps in the business. With that said, my scheme I feel hasn't been so far, well executed (bearing in mind there are also 2nd year apprentices in a similar position as myself). We haven't been provided that manager or sponsor in which we can raise our issues with.

Our training provider has not been very organised and lacks on communication between themselves and my employer. I expected the course/timetable/qualification to be completed and ready for our enrolment, September 2018. We are now mid January and have not yet received one timetable. This interferes with our work time as we struggle to plan things in advance incase college pops up. Also, the qualification I am working towards doesn't meet to requirements of a starting role in my team.

So far during my time completing my qualification, I have learnt basic fundamentals of the railway - which is great and what I need, so I cant complain. But moving further through the apprenticeship, I hope there is more specific knowledge to be gained from them. However, it is still early days into the scheme.

We've had an email through for 'coffee meetings' with other apprentices across the network. I think this is a great idea and would like to take part. I fell its a good way to learn about the different areas of work and also help me choose my future placements.

Yes

Though I've had some issues, I think they are scheme specific. I genuinely think other apprenticeship schemes in the company may have been better organised and have better support systems. I would recommend TfL to a friend, but perhaps not that apprenticeship scheme that I am currently on. With that said, I feel improvements are definitely on the way!

Really research into the role, make sure it's right for you. Once you've found what that is, don't hold back on extra work put into your application and interview. It's a long process but totally worth it. It truly is a great company to work for.