Track maintenance technician apprentice Review

I am an apprentice who works within the track maintenance discipline. This covers a wide range of activities which are carried out in order to provide a safe railway for the passengers. My work can include patrolling and inspecting the track, measuring and gauging the track, fixing failures and defects such as changing rails and sleepers. It can also cover things such as welding and grinding upon completion of relevant courses.

I have learnt many technical and non-technical skills whilst on my apprenticeship. All the technical skill I have learnt have been relevant to my job and these include, hand fitting, maintaining mechanical devices, mathematics for engineers and a vast knowledge of health and safety. I have also developed on a lot of my non technical skills such as organisation, public speaking and team work.

I absolutely love the programme and definitely think it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. No day is the same which makes the job really exciting and different. It’s been very rewarding with challenges along the way to keep things interesting. There is nothing I would fault about the scheme

The organisation and structure of the scheme is to a very high standard. There are two phases to the scheme, one lasting 6 months and the other 30 months. This provides you will al the knowledge needed to go to work within a depot but also gives succinct time to gain on the just training before the end of the scheme

There is support both from Network Rail and Babcock themselves. They are always happy and willing to help and assist in anyway that is needed. There are often one to one meetings that are arranged with a member of the apprentice team to update progress and check everything is okay.

Babcock have been excellent in proving the training for the apprenticeship. All the tutors are willing and able to help. You never feel like you are own your own. The tutors have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the unit they teach and this definitely reflects within the lessons. They also provide progress checks throughout phase one

Everything we are taught is one hundred percent relevant to the job which we undertake. It provides us with a more than basic understanding of railway infrastructure and engineering which people who do not take the apprenticeship will not have. This is very evident when working at depot as we have all the knowledge we need.

During the first phase there are a lot of extra curricular activities to take part in, from sporting event such as volleyball and football to quiz nights and charity days. When you leave the residential training there are lots of opportunities within the business to get involved with, such as STEM ambassadors.

Yes

Network rail is a very good company to work for! The scheme is everything you will be looking for in apprenticeship. There is also the guarantee of a permanent position under successful completion of the scheme, with also the benefit of studying and earning a wage which you cannot get from following the typical education system.

I would tell others to definitely apply and just been themselves. The scheme are looking for the engineers of the future who are going to bring innovative ideas and knowledge to the business, so I would say be confident and faith in yourself. I would also suggest preparing for the assessment centre!