apprentice Review

My role as an apprentice is to observe the tasks and responsibilities of a Network Rail Track Maintenance team. I am required to ask questions of what they are doing. Practise some of the tasks such as shovelling and using a pan puller. As well as to write reports about what I have learnt and what I have practised, which are to be signed by the team leader at the end of each shift.

I have learnt skills in management being asked to watch over contractors and make sure new starters and settling. I have constantly improved my team work skills as a result of working in a small gang all with one objective to get a task done. Also my observational skills have increased from being on several track inspections looking for defects or other faults.

I thoroughly love my program and going to work. I love learning all the different aspects of the railway such as its infrastructure and the maintenance tasks performed in order to keep it running. When at Westwood and HMS sultan I love hanging around and working with my class and friends I have made at my time there. to summarise I really enjoy the program.

When at Westwood the structure of the program was done using a timetable similar to being in schools. I would use this timetable to know what time my class is and where it is taking place. this timetable would also continue on to when I need to be at HMS sultan. it wouldn't give me as much detail on what and where I was doing but it told me the dates I am to attend. out of Westwood and Sultan, the structure would be managed depending on your roaster. I am roistered to work days Monday to Friday, however I can ask the office if I can do overtime and do night shifts.

My employer will ask me how I am coping every time I go into the office, and he takes time to listen to my concerns and questions on what I can do to improve. My employer also teaches me in depth about certain situations that have occurred in our patch.

When at Westwood and Sultan we get lots of support. For starters they provide all the information we need for assignments and tell us where and how we can access this. they would also offer to give up their own time after class in order to help teach us if they feel that we are struggling.

I feel that my qualification helps me a lot when out on track. it gives me knowledge of they types of jobs we are doing and all the steps that have to be done in order to complete the job. It also gave me knowledge on the technical side of the job for example I learnt that when tightening fish plate bolts they need to be tightened to a torque if 475Nm.

During are time at Westwood there were several sporting events and tournaments taking place in the leisure centre which allowed us to develop as teams make new friends and to keep us in shape for work. There where also several posters and advertisement for charity work and sponsored walks which could be done.

Yes

I feel that this apprenticeship is one of the best ways to get to know new people develop skills both mentally and physically such as team building and problem solving. But I also feel that you come away with great in depth knowledge of the Railway and how its managed with a recognised qualification which can take you to many places.

My advice would be to be your self. Be a Hard and dedicated worker as there will be a lot of writing and physical work to be done. Be Punctual as there many dead lines to be met. But the most important aspect to show is that your willingness to learn and to improve.