Apprentice Review

While at the Westwood training centre it was similar to a college. There was lessons and was sometimes treated like school students. However, once finishing at the westwood centre you join your depot. For me personally this is the best part as it meant I could actually be involved in completeing works that were relevant to my job. My roles range from tidying the stores and vans to actually being hands on up in the basket doing the work.

I have learnt lots already about the field of work I will be going in to and have gained a plethora of knowledge and experience using the tools which we use on a day to day basis. From pull lifts and slings to just improving spanner work. I have also began to learn more about teamwork and how leaders play a role within a team.

Overall I look at the experience in a good light. I have enjoyed meeting new people from all walks of life and have built many friendships I hope to keep for a long time. I love actually doing the physical work and feeling accomplished with the tasks that I am completing.

I feel that programme is well structured. The Westwood centre is used to get everyone to a base line which I think is fair. Completing training at sultan is good and the teaching I have received there has been crucial. Similarily the training at Walsall has been exactly about the work that we do. However, there has been a few cases of fellow employees being sent to the wrong depot or being on the wrong discipline.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. From day 1 I have felt respected and valued. I have been given the PPE I needed promptly and any training I wish to take in the future is encouraged. There is a real sense of the employer seeing the value of training someone up.

At Westwood there is always someone to ask for help and they actively encourage you to asks questions. There has been times when I have questioned something and the instructor has explained to me throughly. Similarily at sultan the support from the instructor is great and he works very closely with each individual to make sure they understand.

The qualifications I recieved while at Westwood personally I feel have little relevance to the tasks that I complete day to day at depot. I think that some of these lessons should be made more relevant to the job you actually complete. Saying that I believe the training I gain at sultan is very relevant and has helped me perform better.

There are lots of extra curricular activities to get involved in such as sports or going to the gym. As an avid gym goer I really appreciate that this is on site and provides and also encouraged in a safe manner. Due to the nature of the physicality sometimes of the role it is crucial to be in good health.

Yes

Network rail is a great company to work for who truly respect and value the apprentices. You hear horror stories of apprentices being bantered quite heavily but I have found that it is very light hearted and it builds teamwork. I am encouraged by network rail to perform at my best and be the best version of myself.

I would suggest that they do a lot of research on the different disciplines (pway, S&T, OHL) as understand which one excites you the most is crucial as that will the base of your career. I also encourage students to ask questions and show your enthusiasm as this is well recieved.