Maintenance Engineering Apprentice Review

I am an off-track apprentice. I carry out a variety of jobs, including vegetation removal, level crossing maintenance, litter picking, tree climbing, inspections, fencing repairs and more. I arrive at my depot then drive out from there to the location of the job - this can be up to two hours drive away.

I have learnt a lot of new skills throughout the apprenticeship. Many training courses have been provided for me, such as lookout, polesaw, draining maintenance, stressing, switch inspections, crossing inspections, plain line maintenance, brush cutter, leadership and management, and many more. I have also been provided with basic English and maths training.

I enjoy the programme a lot. Each day is different and there is always something new to learn. You have plenty of opportunities to make new friends throughout the apprenticeship, who you spend a lot of time with. You get to travel to different places in the country for training courses as well.

The programme is poorly organised if you are in the off track discipline. The training schools provided by the apprenticeship do not cover off track, instead we are forced to study track courses. Off track courses are only provided by my line manager. If you are not in off track however, the course is well organised and it is easy to clear issues up with management.

Plenty of support is provided by my employer. I have contact numbers to ring if I have personal problems, and learning support is provided throughout the scheme if I am having trouble with assignments or tasks that I have been given. The admin office are always able to help with problems within a couple of weeks.

I received a lot of support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications. Good teaching and training was provided, and I was always able to ask for help if I did not understand something. I was also given contact information to get help even if I was away from the training schools.

As an off track apprentice, the qualifications I gain are useless. They are no good to me whatsoever, as I am forced to study track courses that have no bearing on my job. For other disciplines such as track or signals however, the qualifications are much more useful to you.

Some are available during the first 6 months at your stay in westwood. There is a swimming pool and gym, as well as activities put on throughout the week. Once you get to depot it is dependant on what your area is like. Some depots arrange football games etc for you to participate in, but not all.

Yes

The company provide you with support throughout the apprenticeship, as well as paying well once the apprenticeship is over. You also have a good pension scheme and the job is usually varied every day. You get to meet new people who will become good friends throughout your working life. You also get to learn a lot about the railway.

Make sure you research the current state of the railway before joining. Have a few examples ready of times you were a leader, when you used your initiative and when you took responsibility. These will all help you through the interview. Act confident and try to show interest during the interview.