Apprentice Review

As a Network Rail Apprentice I am expected to visit many engineering departments within the company to gain a broad understanding of the tasks completed by the company in order to provide the best possible service to their customers. Departments I have visited so far; Off Track, Track Inspection, Planning and P way Maintenance (track)

Through my apprenticeship I have gained/developed a wide range of knowledge. I have furthered my mathematical skills as well as obtained qualifications regarding maintenance of the railway network. I have also developed my basic maths and English abilities as these were limited at the start of my career with Network Rail.

I enjoy the freedom my apprenticeship allows me. With a apprenticeship within Network Rail, as long as you are willing to put in the hours and activity absorb knowledge you can not go far wrong! I enjoy the fact that I can pick and choose placements that interest me and that I am fully supported by my mangers to do this.

With my apprenticeship I am given reports to complete. Sometimes the requirements for these assignments are miscommunicated, causing me to struggle to complete to work set. Furthermore, the placements I am required to complete are not structured. It is up to me and my line manager to organise them and some placements I can not complete because there are no departments in my local area.

I have be positively overwhelmed by the support I receive from Network Rail. From my mangers to my colleagues within my placement department, everyone is always more than happy to help me with any needs I may have. I also have 12-week reviews with my line manger to ensure that I am happy within the workplace.

During training course I have gained a great deal of knowledge from my trainers, but sometime when it comes to the exams for the qualifications I find some of the questions are regarding topics I have not learnt about. But overall the support from the training provider is generally very good.

The qualifications I have gained have allowed me to take part in maintenance tasks safety and sometimes even lead the team. Without the training provided to me I would not have the confidence to do this. With the qualifications I have gained I now feel like a valued member of the team, not baggage.

I have been provided with many opportunities to get involved with the apprenticeship recruitment process, which something I really enjoy. Recently I have also been invited to a networking event for Network Rail apprentices/graduates. There are many chances provided to all apprentices to participate in a wide range of activities.

Yes

Because Network Rail allows you the freedom to develop within the company and choice your own path. The apprenticeship is perfect for students (fresh out of college or school) that have not decided what they want to as a career. The opportunities and skills taught by the company are endless.

I would advice other applying for a apprenticeship with network rail to be themselves. Furthermore, I would also advise to not be dishearten if they are offered a job but not in the discipline they were hoping. There is always a opportunity to complete placements in any department within the company.