Apprentice Signalling Design Engineer Review

By being an apprentice signalling design engineer, my role involves me to focus on everything that has to do with signalling on the railway. On a day to day basis i am given work from a project whether it be drawing designs, completing copies for commissioning and there are many other jobs. Work can either be a large job or a small job depending on the size of the job and the project it is for

I have learnt a lot more skills in my role, such as learning BST, which is basic signalling training, which taught me all the basics to signalling and more training on signalling is yet to come with IST (Intermediate signalling training). Not only have i learnt these new skills i have also developed a lot of skills such as ICT and my CAD skills

I enjoy my programme a lot as there is always new things to learn and do, its also not always the exact same thing day in and day out. By doing new things it keeps the enjoyment up as there is never a dry day as you can always find work to do, and when on a training course the whole experience is enjoyable.

The programme is very organised as in the dates and training courses i have are all organised properly and there is no late minute booking onto the courses, you are given a good heads up for when the training course. The college programme i am on is not so organised and can some times mess up and some things aren't resolved.

My employer is very supportive, any queries that i have i feel comfortable bringing them up and they are always sorted out. Any help that i need my employer is always there to help and doesn't turn away from giving help, everyone is always so supportive. They also support me through all my training courses

I receive a lot of support when going towards my qualifications, this is because they want me to take the courses and push me towards the right path, when it comes to learning and education qualifications they want me to perform at my best and achieve the highest that i can.

All the training links in together so no matter what training i do, as long as it has been advised from my employer then i know that it will one day link in with something i do. All the training i put through i know that there will be something in my role that it will apply to.

Within my work there is many extra curricular activities to get involved in such as networking events where young rail professionals come together to hear speeches from other people in the railway that are on similar roles. there is also charity raising activities where people come together to raise money.

Yes

Because as a company it is very helpful and the company looks after you very well, not only this but they are a great gateway to gaining qualifications and gaining and developing skills. They will also give support through anything and guide you in the right direction whilst also being someone you can speak to about.

Always think positive and think about you're future and be ready to learn a lot and some times it is hard to take in. Don't be shy about asking questions if you're unsure as everyone is always there to help you with anything even if you think its stupid