Track Maintenance Apprentice Review

by Network Rail

Rating

9.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role as an apprentice is to observe what maintenance do and to learn the jobs so that I can apply for a role in track maintenance in the next 2 years. I see inspections of track and the maintenance of the formation.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learned time management, organisation and many other skills during this apprenticeship. It has also helped me work on my leadership and communication skills over the year that I have been employed.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle of this programme. I enjoy the variety of tasks and shifts that are available for me to do. I would recommend this programme to everyone as it is a good opportunity.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The training courses at Westwood and Sultan are very organised and informative but at depot the organisation is less so as sometimes the managers are unsure of what to do with you. There is a lack of communication between the apprenticeship programme organisers and the line managers.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of help and support from my line manager and from Network Rail and Babcock staff. I have visual dyslexia which means that I require overlays for computer screens and paperwork, I received these from my manager and the Babcock staff straight away.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I get a lot of support from the training provider as the courses consist of PowerPoint's with relevant information on them for the assignments that I am completing to pass my apprenticeship. When at depot it is less so as the instructors take time to reply to emails.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I feel that the qualifications help me as I can then use them to apply for higher paying roles and if I wish I can apply for external roles. I feel that the qualifications give you the base knowledge of engineering.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

No my depot don't have any extra curricular activities however they do have regular meet ups outside of work hours.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is a good opportunity for anyone to take up if they are interested in an engineering role and wanting to work their way up through the roles.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?

What is the worst that can happen. Just apply and see how far you can push yourself.