Track Maintenance Apprentice Review

My daily role involves working as part of a track maintenance team to repair defects and carry out maintenance tasks to keep the track infrastructure operating normally. Examples are changing damaged sleepers, changing defective rails, inspecting the line for issues and defects, preventing future maintenance issues and replacing defective equipment.

I have learnt a lot as part of my role. The various training courses and on-the-job learning has provided me with a wealth of information, all of which I use every day in order to be the best I possibly can at my job. I also have the option to go on many extra, optional courses as well should I choose.

I really enjoy the program. the team I work with daily are excellent people. they have been immensely supportive and accommodating of me. My management team have also made things as easy and stress free as possible, allowing me to really enjoy my time on the apprenticeship program over the last three years.

There is a good structure to the programme. each course acts as a milestone for the course, and provide the deadlines for the coursework elements. this means the whole thing is easy to follow and understand where you need to be and what you need to have done at each stage of the programme

I have received all of the support I have needed by my employer. any questions or issues have been dealt with promptly and effectively. there are also many people in my team who have been a part of the apprenticeship programme in the past and so are able and willing to help.

I received all the required support whilst working towards my qualifications. the instructors were willing and able to help out with any concerns or questions, and even spent time outside of lessons,(lunch breaks etc.) helping out if anyone was struggling with the course material, or any other part of the course.

the courses provided to me by network rail have been invaluable in helping me perform better in my role. they have taught me the full scope of the course subject, meaning I am fully equipped to carry out these jobs upon return to my team. they have made me a valuable member of my team.

there are a range of activities arranged by people within the company for people to join in with. these can range from charity events such as bake sales to marathon training events and other group sport events. whilst there isn't much in the way of company specific activities, people within the company always have things on the go.

Yes

I believe that network rail truly believes in its apprenticeship programme, and that it provides the opportunity to end up in any job role you like, provided you are willing to put in the time and effort to develop yourself. secondly, the job satisfaction I have had from this job is higher than any other I have had. I genuinely enjoy working here.

the best advice I can give for those applying, would be learn a little bit about the field you are applying for, be it track, signals, overhead lines etc. this not only shows the ability to learn on your own, but a keen and willing person, who wants to learn and develop themselves.