Apprentice Rail Engineer Review

My role as an Signal Maintenance apprentice is to shadow the teams in their work and learn as much as I can. Once I have been shown how to do something, I ask the team to let me work, supervised, on that task. I have to gather information regarding specific tasks and write reports on these. General day to day, I get in, I get changed in to PPE, I put the tools in the van in preparation for the tasks that shift. I ask the team leader what it is we'll be doing, and I ask if there is anything I could read up on before we go out.

I have developed a number of skills in relation to the work. Specifically my wiring skills, problem solving skills and analysis skills. The job requires a number of skillsets that will get utilised in at different times on a variety of tasks. Key is your ability to learn quickly and get stuck in. If you show some competence that can be increased, the team will give you the guidance you need.

I am enjoying the program more now that I am in a department that I can complete the work. Initially I was placed in an installations department, where the majority of the signal maintenance apprenticeship tasks are not done. This made it difficult to complete the task books and NVQ work as I was not learning the right procedures. I am now in a maintenance department and have learned an incredible amount in a short time, allowing me to start gathering evidence to support my taskbooks and NVQs.

The initial 5 months at Westwood is not well organised. It is understandable that the program wishes to ensure that everyone is on the same level. However, for some apprentices, this feels like a slow pace which does not prepare them for joining their depots. Once in the depot and attending HMS Sultan for further training, the organisation and structure is better, but could still be improved. There is not enough support for apprentices whilst they're at depot if they are struggling with task books or NVQ.

I receive a great amount of support from my current line manager, he checks up with how I'm getting on whenever he sees me to ensure I am meeting requirements. He is understanding as to why I am behind due to the fact that I could not do the work whilst at works delivery. The apprenticeship program only provides support when I am at HMS Sultan and I find it difficult to ask for support whilst at depot. This includes enquiries as to what is required and where I can find the necessary information.

I have not heard from Babcock since I last attended Westwood almost a year ago. Whilst at Westwood and directly under Babcock instructors, it is easy to get support, and many of the instructors were easy to approach and talk to. Since leaving Westwood, I feel that I can only get support when I am on site at HMS Sultan.

I do not feel the qualification helps in my role. I have learned more working at depot in my particular role than I did in my time at Westwood. The positive of the program is that it provides all the training for working in S&T that guys coming straight in to the business may struggle to get. These are not qualifications but necessary training to perform basic S&T maintenance tasks.

In my depot there seems to be little in the way of extra curricular activities other than meeting up to go to the pub or play golf. I have had little access to any networking events and have not been approached to join any social activities. I have taken it upon myself to provide work based extra curricular activities in the form of becoming a diversity and inclusion champion.

Yes

In general, the company is a good company to work for. The apprenticeship program could do with some work and investment regarding staffing (not management level staff). The company provides a lot of support and benefits for employees, and it could do with some new and fresh ideas. Currently it seems in Scotland that many of the workforce are due for retirement, this provides scope for working up the ranks.

Think about what it is you want to do, there are many departments and job roles within the business. Through the apprenticeship, you will learn specifically about one job role, but get an appreciation for other departments and roles. Once in, there is scope to move to other departments or job roles to better suit interests, requirements or skill sets. Be interested, show initiative and make them aware you're happy to put the work in.