Signalling & Telecommunication Apprentice Review

Keeping the signalling side of the railway up and running on a daily basis. Ensuring that signals, points and other equipment is cleaned and in a good working condition. Driving around the Leicestershire area to wherever the fault is and diagnosing/and or fixing the fault to ensure the railway is running smooth.

Yes various things. Getting used to tools and using them where required. Also learnt the basics behind the railway and how it works from the ground upwards. Learnt to drive a van. I have also learnt plenty of new equipment, how they work and how they need to be maintained.

I enjoy my job itself on a daily basis as well as the people I work with. The apprenticeship itself has been a farce from day 1, poorly communicated and things changing on a weekly basis. It is a good career choice but I would advise others to find other apprenticeships if possible.

Very poorly. From day 1 Network Rail haven’t really know what to do with my class. The plan for our development has constantly changed, which I feel has hindered my learning and also my experiences on the apprenticeship. I feel it could greatly be improved in order for future apprentices to enjoy it more.

We have received a lot of support over the course, but this has been needed because of how poorly the apprenticeship is organised and structured. In an ideal world we wouldn’t need as much support because things would have been explained and done properly from the beginning of our apprenticeship.

A lot of support while in training down HMS Sultan, but outside of there we don’t really receive much. Again, we shouldn’t need much support, but the apprenticeship has been poorly organised and structured, which has meant that we do require some unfortunately. It should be different.

The training has definitely helped me perform better in my role. It has helped me learn a lot quicker and given me the skills and knowledge to perform my day to day role better than previously. The training was very useful and is recommended for anyone working in S&T.

Yes. We have various events organised, either socially or through work in the region. These can include charity events or ones just for your own personal benefit. However there can always be more to do. These events are normally organised by ourselves rather than the company so maybe that could. change.

No

The apprenticeship is poorly organised and the structure of it has constantly changed from day 1. This causes a lot of stress and puts more pressure onto you than necessary. The requirements should have been stated and laid out from day 1, but weren’t and now apprentices are paying the price for something which is out of our control.

If you want to work on the railway, this apprenticeship is ideal for you. However due to the organisation and structure of it, you may find yourself getting annoyed about how it is going. I would look elsewhere before committing to a Network Rail apprenticeship, as there as plenty of others out there.