Apprentice at network rail Review

I assist trained engineers with the maintenance of railway points and signals, as I am a first year apprentice I just shadow and help whilst gaining my experience as I go. The shift patterns are 24 hours and they rotate in order to make sure the track is maintained constantly and safely

Even though it is only my first year I have developed good team work skills and found my communication skills have also improved. I feel more confident with fault finding and problem solving and have also gained a good knowledge and understanding of how the railway works and how my job affects others

I get 5/6 months living away from home in the training centre. I feel that this has made me more independent and I really enjoy it. I enjoy being treated with respect and partaking an important role. I also enjoy the fact that I am learning interesting things as well as getting paid

I feel that the programme is really well structured. I get to live in a brand new really good facility where meals are provided as well as a gym. I feel that I’ve learned a lot about electrical systems and how they work in my first year and the lessons fit well

My employer support me quite well. They’ve invested a lot into me with me living in their accommodation and offering constant support and advice. I also like that they pay well and I get a lot of time to book holidays even though the first year is so busy

My training provider are really good, I couldn’t ask for better! They have provided learning materials including books and online sources and I feel like they put the Training first and support wherever they can. They always make sure everyone understands before moving on and can always be around for a chat if you didn’t catch something

I feel that the qualification makes me skilled and more confident when performing in my job role. It is good that over 3 years I am able to learn so much necessary stuff and I can also gain hands on experience along the way. I feel that I will be confident once I finish my programme.

There are plenty of sport activities that take place on campus including a top spec gym as well as loads of voluntary events that take place giving us the opportunity to help out with charity. There are also a lot of networking events and stools the company set up to get the scheme out there for new comers

Yes

As the company has a great reputation and there is a lot of room to progress and reach a good point in my career where I can earn good money whilst doing a steady but fun job. I feel that there’s always going to be work in this industry.

I would suggest even if you’re not 100% sure in your ability to always be confident as the company will train you exactly to the correct standard. I feel like they like someone who is polite and dedicated to their work as in the first 3 years there is a lot of work they want to make sure you can cope with