Signalling Apprentice Review

My role currently involves me taking a 21 week training course away from home. Everyday I turn up to a classroom and carry out academic studies. When I finish I will be out in the workplace conducting maintenance and testing jobs on electrical equipment. My working hours are very easy going but good enough so that I can learn a lot of on track skills.

Yes. I did a little bit of electrical based engineering in college, however I have learnt much more on this programme. For example, before I did this apprenticeship I only ever touched a soldering iron once. Now though I have improved my soldering skills and even soldered a piano together that works and plays a tune.

I enjoy it very much. The other apprentices are great to be around and the facilities are fantastic. Before I joined I didn't have much of a social life outside of work, however I find myself spending every night around other apprentices whether its doing work or hanging out at the bar.

Very well structured. I know where I need to be and when almost 100% of the time. Every event during the 3 year programme is clearly laid out for you, and you're informed months in advance so that you can prepare yourself and get ready for when you need to go away.

More than I thought. My employer want me to do well, they care about my progress and how I feel working for them. Every so often we have a personal development review where they see how you're doing and if there are any issues that are on your mind and how they can fix them.

A good amount. Due to the large amount of apprentices the lecturers cannot tailor the lesson for individual people, however they try their best to ensure you are doing well. Every lecturer is a skilled tradesperson and have vast knowledge in what they are teaching you, so you are nothing short of knowledgeable skilled help.

My qualification will help me with my role. I feel more informed about what I have to do and what to expect. Especially since the qualifications I have gained are tailored to what role I will be taking on. Because I am in an electrical engineering role, all the units I take part in are electrical based, meaning I receive a wide variety of electrical based skills.

Yes. Every day there are evening classes set up in case you need extra help or guidance. They also occasionally set up extra sessions to give you knowledge in useful skills such as how to conduct basic repairs to your car. They also have sports facilities where you can hire bicycles or play squash with friends.

Yes

It's a fantastic experience and you meet lots of new people as well as learn tonnes of new things. It opens endless doors for you in the future. Getting a job with Network Rail will set you up for life, you will never have any issues and you will be in an amazing field of work.

Be patient. The application process takes a while, however it is totally worth it. Also do your research into the company. Network Rail is a big company, there is a lot of information to know about it. Also, try and make friends, team work and trust is a vital necessity for working on the track.