Overhead lines Apprentice Review

As I work shifts it is very hard to write about what I do on a day to day basis as most days or nights are different from each other. Some of the main jobs that we carry out are isolations where we put earths up on cantelivers and headspans so that the line is safe to work on for contractors . At the moment we are doing a head span to portal job in connonin which consists of taking down head spans and fitting a boom in place and then registering off them using stove pipes and cranked stove pipes. We also do walk-outs on track where we inspect the overhead lines/ head spans/cantelevers and see weather their is any damage or signs of wear, if so we will then do a renewal job where we replace the old parts such as insulator pots, droppers and jumpers. Lastly, on day shifts we mainly build up stock for our head span to portal job, this stock includes stove pipe brackets, crank brackets, cantelevers, swivel brackets etc.

There are many different skills and things that I have learnt on the railway, the first and main thing I have learnt is how important safety is. I always look out for anything unsafe when working so that everyone stays safe. I have also developed a lot of tool and equipment skills as I have to use things such as torque wrenches, different types of spammers, slings, pull lifts, wedges and bodies to rig the wire with etc. Another skill I have developed is my communication, as we normally work as a team or in pairs communication is vital as we must work together to get the job done. Doing things such as asking for help is extremely important as this will help me to learn new things

I really enjoy my program as I have learnt a lot in such a small period of time, as I have only been doing apprenticeship for around 1 year this is extremely good. The program is very well structured meaning it is really easy to outline courses that I have to do at places such as Sultan and Westwood.

I feel that the program is very well structured, it is very easy to follow as everything is planned in advance so I have time to revise for courses or do any assignments that I have been given. I also have regular progress reviews where I talk about my progress and how I am doing which is extremely good as I know that I am doing well and up to date

I feel that I receive a lot of support from my employer. If I am ever set any assignments or tests I am taught to an extremely good standard. If I do not understand something I can always ask for help and they will point me in the right direction. This is extremely good as it helps me to learn and therefore, improve my knowledge.

As I am an apprentice there are a lot of qualification that I have get before I am qualified. These qualifications are mainly classroom based so all of the teaching is normally theory and practical based. We then normally have a test or assignments on what we have learnt and I feel that the teaching is done very well. At the end of every course I feel that I have the required knowledge to complete the tasks to pass

I feel that these qualifications and courses really help to improve my ability when working. On these courses we do practice and theory based learning and it is very similar to what we actually do on track so I can transfer these skills into my job. The more knowledge I gain through these courses the better I will perform on track

Me and my team normally go on social events once every 1-2 months or so. This allows us all to bond actually outside of work which I feel is very important as this helps to build friendships. As I am an apprentice and new this is very important to do as it gets me closer to my team as we form friendships which helps us work better together

Yes

I feel that network rail is an extremely good company to work for as they really look after their workers by keeping them safe at all times. It is also a very practical job so if you are a hands on kind of person you can get involved. If you want to go in the office and do more of the theory work you can which is great as it is suited to everyone’s needs

The main tip I would give someone applying was to make sure they get all of their work done on time and ensure that they pass. Make sure that you have a good attitude and always try your best to ensure that you learn. Always ask questions if you are unsure on anything so that someone can help you