Railway Engineering Apprentice Review

by Transport for London

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Day to day I am working out within a depot. I work alongside teams who are fully qualified and I gain skills off working along side them. Daily tasks can include things such as changing breaks, fixing doors, day to day maintenance on the trains (a bit like a cars mot)

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

In the first 6 months I have learnt lots of new skills that I will be able to take forward with me to my future career. I have learnt new things such as soldering, wiring, bench fitting skills, electrical skills, I have also learnt mechanical skills when working on the trains

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Every day I wake up at 5am as I live outside of London. I enjoy waking up for work and there is never a day when I can’t be bothered to get up as it’s a chore. Everybody within the workplace has this vibe and it’s a happy enjoyment.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The structure of the apprenticeship is well structured. On our first day we was given a timetable of the activities that we will be undertaking for the next year. This included dates that we will be out on placement, what depot we will be in and all of our annual leave booked out. This helps us plan things easier

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My employer is always there to support me. I only have to email my manager and they are able to help me out wherever I need it. They are able to provide me extra training or put me on courses if I am unsure on a specific area. This really helps with your develop,ent within the company

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

As all the training is provided in house it’s the same support that I receive from my managers. There are the main course trainers who work with you to achieve your qualification and they’re always there if you need any help or are unsure on any part of the qualification

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

As part of the training you have to write up the work that you do out in the depot. Writing about something makes it more pictured in your brain that can make things clearer for you if you are struggling. Your work will get marked and you get feedback and this can help you develop your training if you have got some thing wrong

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes. There are lots of different activities and training available. There are things such as mental health awareness schemes that you can go on to learn. There are also other programmes such as a new one called coffee roulette where you go out and meet another apprentice within the business and exchange your experiences within the company

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The company is great! There is so much potential within the company that you can extend off and easily make your way up into the management positions. You speak to all of the current managers and directors and they’re all mostly ex apprentices. There are other good perks such free travel and good pay and pension

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?

Ensure that you apply for a scheme what you are passionate about. There is no point applying for a job that you might enjoy. You need to apply for a scheme what your heart is set on. You can only apply for one scheme a year so ensure that it’s one for you!