Apprentice Technician Review

When in depot, my job as an Electrification and Plant apprentice involves maintaining Network Rail infrastructure on the Railway. This could range from distribution boards, points heating, generators, single phase, three phase, residual current devices. Also, this involves dealing with low and high voltage equipment. Most of the work involves driving to site.

Yeah Network Rail provide a lot of good, quality training which will enhance your skills and knowledge. During the first six months, you stay at a training centre. During this, you work on your practical skills in the workshop, dealing with components, circuit boards, tools etc. This really improves your hand skills. Furthermore, the class base learning will improve your academic skills.

The programme has been really enjoyable so far. The learning and planning of the apprenticeship has been very organised which has reduced the stress on me so I can concentrate on the learning. Also, during the first 6 months you'll will be with other apprentices which makes the experience much more fun.

The programme is organised is my opinion. They have a timeline for the apprentice and adhere to this as much as is reasonably possible. The training module you undertake are organised in block release from your depot. You are informed of all the time you need to go to module way in advance and they provide you with a timetable for this.

Support during my apprenticeship has been a constant and consistent thing. Babcock, my training provider, organise one to one meetings with you during your first year regular. These will be about the training, any issues etc. Also, during the next 2 years you will have regular 12 weekly reviews with your line manager at depot which gives the opportunity to ask for support.

As I said before Babcock organised one to one meetings in the first year. After the first year, we train specifically with Network Rail to focus on our specific discipline. They provide with all the information about what you need to achieve the qualifications e.g. the coursework, evidence etc.

The training really focus on my discipline so I am able to carried out everyday duties using the correct procedures and process. For example, receive a city and guilds in electrical engineering allows me to perform maintenance tasks on electrical equipment because I have an understanding of the way it works and what standards I must adhere to.

During the first six months when you stay are Network Rail's training centre with other apprentices, there are many sports events organised such as football tournaments, boxing sessions. Charity events are organised which you can get involved in e.g. I participated in a charity run. Managers and directors regularly visit to meet apprentices in order to see how they are progressing. You can even bring forward an idea which could possibly be organised.

Yes

It is a great career choice which allows you to progress and build a future. The training you receive is of a high standard and you get paid whilst learning. There are many paths you can take in Network Rail so you could even change disciplines, like I did, as long as you request to do it early.

Research about the company and take a interest in some of the projects they are involve in. In addition, try to understand the discipline you want to do so you don't make the mistake of choosing the wrong one. It's very difficult to get into so even if you're not successful, apply again if you really want it. I applied 2 and know other apprentices that have applied numerous times.