Apprentice Signal Engineer Review

Works delivery apprentice working to provide life extension and renewal works across the network. My day could include anything from earthing works to track circuit installation or signal head renewals. Everything completed should be done to the highest standards and safety is the top proliority in the company. No day is ever the same with different jobs being completed and locations being visited.

Due to the nature of the role a lot of new skills had to be learnt. All of the training I need has been provided by network rail or Babcock. Everyone in the team is keen to show you new tricks and skills for you to progress in your job role.

I really enjoy most the apprenticeship and working at depot and on track. Some of the training excersices completed at Westwood did not relate to life on the railway but have to be completed in order to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship and achieve the qualification at the end.

The organisation of the programme is good in some aspects but poor in others. Many of the organised residential training visits are well organised and structured. The practical experience you have at the depot is good but in my expeiance the line manager was poorly informed about what training I recieve and what I’m required to complete.

My line manager is extremely supportive and does everything he can to help me progress on in my apprenticeship. Any questions I have or any doubts are quickly cleared up and answered to the best of his knowledge. The employer provides excellent accommodation and assets in which I can use during my apprenticeship during residential stays.

The Babcock trainers are good at providing the information needed to gain the qualifications. I found that the trainers have a lack of experience in the railway environment so any questions relating to the job role are difficult to answer for them. This could be fixed by providing them with trackside experience.

I feel that there was some base knowledge provided by Babcock during my residential stay which helped me to understand different principles in engineering. Some of the training however did not relate to the rail environment and seemed quite pointless once practical expiance had been gained. Again I understand that boxes need to be ticked to ensure I can gain the qualifications.

During the residential stay at Westwood there were many chances to get involved in extra curricular activities such as sport and fund raising. Some of the events were organised by network rail themselves and some were originated by other apprentices and members of staff. An example of this is the England vs Scotland football game that commonly takes place.

Yes

Fantastic company to work for with some great opportunities. If you keep your head down and get the work completed it can be as easy as you make it. It is a great job with the chance to visit different places around the country and be a part of some amazing projects.

Keep safety in mind. Network rail is a safety conscious company so it is important that you believe in keeping safe. Think of an example of how you have been safe and what you could do to improve your attitude towards it. When studying at the training center do not be afraid to ask questions as others may be thinking the same thing but too shy to speak up. Also ensure that you challenge something you don’t feel is right as you could be correct yourself and save everyone a lot of grief.