Track Engineer Review

the apprenticeship is great overall, as long as you are willing to put in the work then your outcome is limitless. it is a level 3 apprenticeship with level 2 aspects throughout the 3 years. each day could be something new or the same thing depending on the length of the specific task. you are responsible for yourself and ensuring that all work is completed on time.

I have developed my skills throughout this apprenticeship. I was previously a level 3 engineering student at college. skills which I have learnt include, bench fitting which is the competent use of hand fitting techniques. another skill is how I can now strip down and rebuild a HW1000 points machine which is used throughout the country.

I enjoy work everyday due to the large amount of technologies I am using and getting involved in. I am currently with another group of apprentices so we all meet up regularly during lunch which is nice. The team I am in is also nice and provide help whenever I ask for it.

During the apprenticeship I go on three different placements lasting six months for one and up to 3 weeks for the others. My second and third placement are both to show how to do the physical work. I have meetings with my line manager to see how I'm getting on with my apprenticeship. He ensures I have enough time to complete my work but also do the coursework that comes with the apprenticeship.

I get support from my direct team as and when I ask for it. I have a few managers I could speak to if I have any questions and they are always there. We also get support from the apprentice managers who basically look after all apprentices within the apprenticeship department.

During my external training, the assessor is always there to offer support and answer questions. My assessor that comes into my office usually responds pretty quickly to emails with any questions I might have about the coursework. if I was to have any questions it would be helped as soon as possible as all of the trainers are willing to help with anything.

It helps me to perform better throughout my role or roles. The training provider known as Babcock have experienced engineers who are friendly and thorough with what they teach. it helps with life on the rail as it toughens you up for large jobs on or around the rail industry.

I haven't looked into outside of work opportunities too much but I have seen lots of examples of events happening for apprenticeships. I'm sure that if this was something I was interested in, then there would be plenty of opportunities there for me. the training facility known as Westwood is located near Coventry which has loads of things to do and see.

Yes

I would definitely recommend working for NR. There are so many opportunities within the company that if you didn't like the one you originally chose, they will help you move to another one. The pay is great also which is a biggie, during the 3 years the pay gets progressively larger. up to 30k.

The assessment centre involves a group interview which consists of coming up with resolutions to a problem. Before you go, research how to stand out in these interviews and use the techniques you found. This helped me a lot with developing myself, being able to show off my skills and knowledge to the examiners.