OLE Apprentice Review

Day to day experiences are very different as most are not the same. Im an overhead line apprentice and i have recently been involved in putting up structures at chadwell heath on the crossrail anglia project. I have also taken part in planning of the shenfield project and modifying posessions for it. I have taken part in bonding metal structures within the railway and surveying height, stagger and cant to make sure all equipment is within the acceptable parameters.

I am continuously learning new skills and have done overhead line equipment competencies 1&2. There is so much you can learn on the railway and i will continue to do so.

I have very much enjoyed my programme as i have met a lot of good people and i have had the opportunity to work in various places and to take part in the crossrail anglia project which is one of the biggest in europe.

Costain are very good to their apprentices and employees as they see you as the future and will support you all the way with encouragement for you to learn further education and to move up within the company.

As i am doing the network rail apprenticeship it is recognised as one of the best in the UK. That along with the support from costain it is very organised to get you the skills that are needed to progress.

I recieve as much support as i need from network rail apprenticeship, from costain and from keltbray who i am currently on placement with.

As mentioned above i recieve as much support as i need as my line manager will do everything he can to make sure i have what i need.

My first year wasnt great but as i was on the network rail apprenticeship my living expenses were covered. Now that i am in my second year it is better suited and will continue to rise which will be more than i could earn in any of my previous jobs.

Yes

My experience with costain has been great so far. I am encouraged to aim for progression and encouraged to do further learning if i want to. There is opportunity to work all over britain if you like to travel a little, i do. The support you recieve from a company as an apprentice is fantastic and the directors will also take time to speak to you, get to know you and answer any questions which you rarely see within a company. Costain are a company who does things right and you cant go wrong with a company like that.

Just be open and honest. When i went for my interview i didnt have much interview experience so i was nervous. I just answered the question truthfully and to the best of my knowledge, i didnt want to go in and be somebody i wasnt. Costain seen this in me and gave me an opportunity when others wouldnt.