Track Technician Review

Being an apprentice track technician for Network Rail at London Bridge, I assist in a wide range of track maintenance activities, these can include things such as rail changes, stressing of rail, component replacement, as well as inspections and testing on switches and crossings, platforms and structures such as bridges and tunnels

Network Rail is a very safety conscious company, They've obviously invested a lot of time and money into apprentices, I have learnt how to use a wide range of hand tools and specialist railway equipment, you have 6 months in Network Rails training centre at the beginning of the course where it'll be classroom based and a lot of new skills will be learnt at this point.

I enjoy my work thoroughly, personally I enjoy working nights as I tend to be working Monday to Thursday night and Network Rail give us Friday as a rest day, so for me it works out as I get to have a long weekend every weekend, which is good for my social life ;)

I think with every apprenticeship there will be something to complain about but as long as you're willing to put the work in, you will succeed, after the first 6 months at the training centre and you arrive in your depot, you are required to be self sufficient in order to do your work.

Luckily Network Rail use a lot of apprentices so wherever you go, you'll likely find an ex apprentice in a permanent position who you can ask for advice and support, otherwise the apprentice HQ can help with anything else you need and there is a team you can receive a quick reply from.

Initially during the 6 months training where you do a lot of work with the training provider you have a great selection of tutors to ask for advice, who are experienced in the engineering field, however it is worth noting that almost none of them have ever actually worked on the railway.

The initial 6 months is general engineering training which isn't always directly applicable to the railway world, if you already have an understanding of mechanics and tools it may not be that useful to you, but if you're an 18 year old with no prior experience, I'd imagine it to be more beneficial

During the first 6 months you get a chance to compete in extra curricular activities and competitions however, after this period you won't be with other apprentices so it isn't something that is easily achievable, but at my local maintenance depot the employees there regularly take part in a local football league

Yes

Network Rail is a good company to work for, it allows for a good work to life balance in the long term, and is a great career to be in with a good pension, working nights might not be for everyone's taste but it depends on what route you go down.

I would suggest you do some reading on the history of the railway and understand how Network Rail came into existence and look into the different roles you can do on the railway, and also consider if you can live with the apprentice wage for a year or two until it increases