Apprentice Review

My role involves assisting and learning from experienced team members, The job involves maintenance on signalling equipment and points as well as fault finding. The job requires working shift patterns which can be early starts, afternoon starts and night shifts as the role requires 24 hour maintenance of the track and signalling equipment.

I've only just recently started in my role but have already developed effective communication skills and problem solving. I have developed my confidence massively since starting the programme as there is a real chance of progression within the industry due to the investment in the rail infrastructure for future projects.

The program involves staying in the residential training centre in Coventry for 5 months, here you will learn about basic electronic principles and equipment before starting at your depot. When I started at the depot the team are helpful and assist you with any issues or questions you may have.

The program involves staying in the residential training centre in Coventry for 5 months, here you will learn about basic electronic principles and equipment before starting at your depot. When I started at the depot the team are helpful and assist you with any issues or questions you may have.

My employer supports me by helping me with my learning and encouraging me to question why things work, Network Rail also provide you with work wear and a pension scheme, as well as job specific training. The role is flexible and you have plenty of opportunity to book in holidays and work overtime to assist your wages.

The support provided is excellent as the training is delivered in an easy way for you to understand. Managers are understanding when you need to be released from your workplace for training. I have been given resources and rule books from my employer that help to give me and good background of the jobs I will be undertaking.

The qualification over the three years gives you the knowledge and confidence to perform in a safety critical role, under time constraints. The qualification gives you a broad range of knowledge and during the apprenticeship you get to experience every aspect of the rail industry from track work to maintaining signalling equipment, this gives you an appreciation for all different job roles and how they relate to each other.

There are opportunities to play sports and socialise during your time at Westwood training centre in the first 5 months of the programme. The company offer days for you to volunteer at your chosen charity if you wish to do so and there are plenty of networking opportunities and events for the rail industry.

Yes

Network Rail has a good reputation as an employer and since joining them I have not been disappointed! A lot of opportunities for career progression are available and if you put time and effort into the role then you are given them opportunities to progress. The pension scheme and working hours are a bonus as there are not many companies that can offer incentives and flexible working hours.

If you have any doubts about your ability apply anyway as the support is there from Network Rail and the training providers so you have the best chance of succeeding within your role. The rail industry is a rewarding career and has an exciting and secure future. If you are safety conscious, willing to learn and have ambition then the scheme is well worth applying for.