Apprentice Track Technician Review

As an apprentice track technician, I mirror the role of a qualified track technician. This involves inspecting and maintaining all aspects of the track including rails, sleepers, ballast, switches and crossings. I get to drive different vehicles and use different tools in a variety of backgrounds, be that on the main line through the city, or on branched lines through the countryside.

I have developed my interpersonal skills through working with multiple teams here and being taught how to be an affective member of any team, or how to be a leader. New skills I have gained include the use of small machinery, driving large vehicles, manual handling and other technical abilities that I have learnt from my work.

I have had a brilliant time doing this apprenticeship. I have woken up every day excited to come to work and do my job. I really enjoy and take pride in the work I do and this has caused me to develop new interests in the railway which I can enjoy even when I'm not working.

The programme has mostly been very well organised, except for the transition period between finishing training with Babcock and beginning to work for and be trained by Network Rail. I feel that the training with Babcock doesn't prepare apprentices for our roles and it has very little to do with the work we do.

I feel fortunate enough to say that I have been provided with all the support I have needed so far in my apprenticeship programme and I am confident that there is further support available to me should I ever need it, be that emotional or physical support, and support in progressing my career.

My experience has been that additional support in working towards our qualifications has only been provided to those apprentices who have been identified as having learning difficulties or disabilities, and the rest of the apprentices are all expected to be able to meet the same standard with no more than the standard amount of help.

I feel that many parts of our qualification training from Babcock are irrelevant to the job that we are expected to be doing, which results in us finishing the initial part of our training and starting our jobs with no idea of what is expected of us. We do the lessons, complete the assignments, then never use the information or skills again.

I have seen multiple networking events happen at our training facilities, however I haven't heard of any opportunities for apprentices to attend one. Otherwise, I have seen very little extra-curricular activities endorsed by the company since finishing the first portion of the apprenticeship. Early on there was the opportunity to do a charity Rugby match, but that never ended up happening.

Yes

I already have! I really enjoy my work and my colleagues. I have no regrets doing this apprenticeship and I feel it was the best option for me, over university and other apprenticeships. The job is rewarding, the work is interesting and the pay is more than fair. I feel I have really good future prospects thanks to being on this apprenticeship scheme.

Prepare yourself for the interviews by learning a bit about the railway and what big things are currently going on, such as Crossrail and HS2. Volunteer on a local heritage railway so you've really shown a keenness and an interest. Just be sure to get the point across that you're passionate, you're interested, and you'd really love to do this job.