Apprentice Engineer Review

On my first year of my apprenticeship it involves going to college 5 days a week. On Tuesdays we do BTEC and then the other days we do our NVQ. During college half terms we spend time at one of three of Southeasterns maintenance depots gaining knowledge on the trains.

I have gained skills at work including how to fit a shoe gear and brake pads. I have also gained skills at college including programming systems to do what they are meant to do. Wiring circuits and then testing them. We are currently doing fluid power which I have already done at my previous college but I have gained extra skills.

I really enjoy this programme because it is enabling to gain knowledge and skills on things that I have never done before and confirming and improving my previous knowledge. I have also gained new friends which some will be with me hopefully throughout my whole railway career and if not hopefully I will stay in contact.

I feel like my programme is very well organised at college I already know what I will be doing for the whole year and when my assignments are going to be set. I also know who will be on my class for all the different blocks I am on. Although on weeks off college it isn’t as well organised and the maintenance team doesn’t really know we are meant to be there and what we know.

At college I recive all the support I need. If I am unable or struggle to do something I will receive it. My manger gives some support in different aspects including if I need time off he is understanding and offers help if I have a problem. He also is very keen on putting me on course to further my understanding.

I receive full support from my training provider which will aid me in assessments and assignments. The tutors give clear and accurate hand outs which aid me in my work and understanding. Also on some of the practical assessment I struggle with some bits due to not being strong enough so they will give me suggestion on how to deal with this problem.

I feel like this aids me in fully understanding different factors of my job role including how to carry out different tasks. Including completing assignments and aiding me in my day to day life. This includes gaining confidence in talking to people that I do not know. I feel like this has helped me greatly.

My company offer places to the London marathon. This will short list you into getting a place and then you can train with other people from the company to aid you into completeing the marathon. At breaks some people play cards as a group which enables you to meet new people.

Yes

I believe that Southeastern is a good company with excellent benefits this includes free travel on many different train providers and discounts on other train providers. You also get a brilliant pension sceme and pay which will aid you in the future. We also have a good amount of holiday through our shift pattern

I would say to keep positive do your research into what your position is about and what sort of thing you would be doing day to day. You could also explore what you could move on to in the future and the benefits. I would also say to put yourself forward for any future training or anything during the interview process.