Apprentice Review

Within telecoms in the railway no day is the same, with my team carrying out vital maintenance on the telecom infrastructure and also responding to faults when they come in and being proactive to ensure no/minimal delays arise due to these faults. With in telecoms there are different disciplines, such as cable joint/fibre splicing, climbers, IP etc.

Within the training at Westwood there is a mixture of hands on practical work electrical/mechanical , depending on discipline and also classroom work which expands your knowledge on various relevent subjects, such as electrical principles, maths, health and safety, all vital knowledge for when you get to depot. Many hands on skills are gained when I started working with my team, from testing to hands on work and I am always closesly coached by a technician and supported in my learning.

The program itself is enjoyable, as you spend 6 months in westwood training school, where you live and learn there. There is plenty of free time you make new friends, use the leisure facilities. Also weekends are your own. Network rail go above and beyond to support your development and ensure you are getting the correct support when required.

The programme is well organised and implemented by the lecturers. At Westwood and HMS sultan alike. I am placed on various courses which give me competences to carry outwork at depot and my manager is also catching up with me to ensure I am doing my work and reports and also making sure things are okay with working with the team and getting exposure to work.

I am always getting booked in on Personal development reviews and 1 to 1s with management and Babcock staff, at Westwood there is always someone to talk to as it can be tough working away from home. I know network rail also offer validum which is an occupational health service to support you through a catalogue of issues.

The staff at Westwood will always go above and beyond to ensure you pass your work with no issues and support you when you are struggling even if that means they stay behind and work late. Furthermore when I have work to complete at home my manager is always reviewing my reports and making sure I am up to date

Going on the courses makes me able to do my job successfully and be a valued team member when I finish my apprenticeship. Not only do you gain academic courses but also do management courses and team building courses so you can effectively communicate at all times and perform in a team better.

Fitness is mandatory 2 times a week and free PT sessions are on offer to apprentices at Westwood and also fitness tests and challenges are set during our time to drive us to better ourself and feel better about our fitness. Football and other sporting competitions are on offer and encouraged also.

Yes

Network rail has to be one of if not the best apprenticeship in the Uk, it’s so well organised and the career path is endless, as long as you apply yourself they will look after you and ensure you are progressing. Network rail is proud of their apprenticeship program and rightfully so, therefore why wouldn’t I want my friends to be a part of such a great opportunity!!

Ensure you research the company and show that you want this job and understand how much health and safety is important within the railway and you can follow the strict rules on the railway as it can be a very dangerous place to work, lineside. You must show you are driven to work also